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Reminiscences 



Of 



Wilmington 

And 

SmithviUe-Southport. 



. . . . 1848-1900 . . 



By DR. WALTER OILMAN CUROS. 



RESERVt 
STORAGE 
COLLECTION 



Baeerve Storage 
Collectioc 



i 




DR. WALTER OILMAN CURTIS. 



FORSITAN MEMINESSE UIVABlT. 



REMINISCENCES 



BY 



DR. W. G. CURTIS. 
1848-1900. 

FOR THIRTY YEARS STATE QUARANTINE 
SURGEON FOR THE PORT OF WILMINGTON, 



COPYRIGHT APPLfED FOR 



HKKAl.l.) JOB OFFICK. 
80UTHPORT. N. a. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
One Copy Received 

DEC lo 1905 

Copyright Entry 
CLASS a. XXc, No 

/ 3 S ^ C 6 

COPY A. 






Reminiscences 

— OF— 

Wilmington and Smithville. 



CHAPTER ONE. and ciuders which accompauied at 

In the year of 1848 aud from that time the traveller on railroads, 
that time ou until 18G1, Wilming- he would take a good supper and 
ton was in her zenith of prosperity come down into the waiting room 
as the gi-eatest naval-store produc- of the hotel, to continue the friend- 
er in the world. A traveller com- ship so pleasantly initiated on his 
ing down the line of the Wilming- arrival. The next morning he 
ton & Weldon Eailroad, and hav- would take a trip around the city, 
ing almost arrvied, and could con- and would find its business to con- 
gratulate himself on having escap- sist mostly of saw mills, tiupentine 
ed the dangers of a journey upon distilleries to carry away the pro- 
those rails which existed, not only duct of which the wharves were 
on that railroad but nearly every lined with vessels mostly schoon- 
other railroad in the country, with ers in the coastwise trade, and on 
a mind free from anxiety would be the street bordering the river on 
likely to ask '^ what Avas the mean- the wharves, commission mer- 
of that dense cloud which hung chantsdealinginlumber, and naval 
over the city as if escaping from the stores. These he would find to be 
horrible Stygian smoke from the men of large experience in that 
pit which is bottomless?" and he line of business. He would be told 
would be told, that that was the that the raw turpentine used in 
smoke caused l)y the manufacture the manufacture of these articles 
of turpentine into various articles before mentioned was extracted 
which are commercially designated from the pine trees with which 
by the name of naval stores in the country was covered for many 
which is included tar, pitch, rosin, miles, and which lined every creek, 
aud spirits turpentine; and being river and estuary in the eastern 
interested in what was new to him part of iNTorth Carolina. Being 
he would say he must go immed- inclined to examine further into 
lately aud investigate the business, this business he would employ the 
Having arrived at his hotel in the services of a carriage, and driver, 
city, and as is customary, having or perhaps a saddle horse, and 
l)een introduced to all the bystau- would go across the ferry to the 
ders, and established a record as a mainland beyond, from whence he 
friend to all man-kind especially would continue his journey toward 
the southern man-kind, he would Shallotte. At every turn he would 
take a bath to rid himself of smoke, meet negi'oes with the tools neces- 



sary to cut into the trees that the be l)ron!iht out, and the barrels 
turpentine might run out there would be hauled to the nearest 
from, and he would be surprised landing- place, and from thence 
to hear the musical yodling which transported to Wilmington where 
resounded through the woods in the owner would probably be wait- 
e very direction that it seemed to ing to receive his money, turpen- 
him for miles away, and he would tine always ]»eing sold for cash on 
conclude, that the makers of tur- delivery. The peculiarities of this 
pentine were a set of men Avho l)usiness whicli a tarvellea would 
made themselves happy by this observe, were that the negroes 
peculiar yodling as they passed were always fat, slick, and greasy 
from tree to tree hacking each till and consequently iiappy; that the 
each negro had finished his task, farmer himself had plenty of mou- 
which was to hack ten thousand ey and generally hrul a large roll of 
boxes or trees, once a week. You bills in his i)0cket, Sind expected 
would see the turpentine running the business to be always prosper- 
down the tree into boxes notched ous. The Inisiness of makitig tuc- 
for catchingit. then where trees are i)e7itine was an irttrnense otic in the 
hacked more than one year, he city of Wilmington^ and the haj- 
would see the white face of the bor was usiially crowded Mith ver- 
tree as far as his eye could reach, sels of all sizes, and descriptions ex- 
stopping at night Y.-ith a turpen- cept larae vessels, c.f whi(h tljcie 
tine farmer who was always glad were few or none; they geuercilly 
to see him, and invite him to par- carried from t\\o thoasa^ul to fou)- 
take of his hospitality. As the thousand barrels, and the river be- 
negroes came in from their work at ing full of shoals these were obliged 
night, they continued their yod- to have skillful pilots to get them 
ling until the Avoods resounded, to sea. This was Wilmington in her 
and when some happy, and melo- palmydaysofthejiaval-stoi-etrade. 
dious sound could le heard every As may be readily imagined, this 
where. The whole country seem- Inisiness could not last forever as 
ed to be devoted to this business; when the ti'ecs vrere once diaiued 
there were few fields of corn to be of their sap they were woithless Cor 
seen or any other crop, for the most purposes, and so with the end 
turpentine farmer was engrossed of the naval store business the lum- 
in the occupation of making tur- ber business could also see its eiul 
jientine. I^ear every dwelling approaching ])ecause these trees 
house, there was to be seen a coop- did not make valuable lumber 
ers shed, where the rough barrels whensav.-ed. f-^o in the year 1S(>I 
were made for containing turpen- the whole business was at at end 
tine; when the barrels were filled during the years of vrar, and re- 
Avith this product of the forest, construe' ion. After civil gover- 
the mules, ami the wagons v.onld ment was re-estaldished both the 

2 



naval store, and lumber lui.siuess 
1^ reeommeiiced with great vigor, but 
its time of prosperity was nearly 
at an end for want of the material 
which had ])een used for this trade 
and Wilmington saw its business 
decline, so that where once the 
docks were lined with vessels there 
were but few. In this crisis of com- 
mercial affairs Wilmington had to 
look around for a substitute, but 
there was none apparent. Fortu- 
nately there v/ere a few mer- 
chants of gxeat business experience 
who started the cotton trade, of 
which before this time there had 
been none, and so successful did 
they make it, that at the present 
time there is nearly four hundred 
thousand bales exported from 
AVilmington yearly. But naval 
stores did not build up a city, al- 
» though it was a prosperous, busi- 
ness. Neither did the lumber bu- 
siness l)uild wyt the city to any ex- 
tent, and it is also true, that the 
mere exportation of cotton will 
not ])uild up a city. Its growth was 
slo^\' up to 1861, but after the war 
was over it has seemed to prosper 
in the building of public buildings 
and private residences, in the im- 
jjrovement of its stieets and 
thoroughfares, in its water supply 
and in its electric lighting, a long- 
step was made along the line of 
improvement. During all this 
time which I have described the 
social conditions x)revailing in 
Wilmington, and Smithville were 
I very attractive in their nature. 
The gentlemen of Wilmington 
were triendly, and hospitality 



entertained in every household. 
The ladies were gentle, retined, 
and beautiful, and once they had 
taken a stranger to be their friend 
the kindly relations lasted through 
life. Alas! all or nearly all, of the 
class I have descrilied of that gen- 
eration have gone to their last res- 
ting place, but their memories are 
fresh and green, and to be handed 
down to succee<ling generations. 
With this passing trilmte to fri- 
ends of the long ago T pass on to 
another chapter of events dis- 
connected with any kind of ]>usi- 
ness but which were f;ili of inter- 
est in their tiiue but which more 
especially refers to the Smitiuille 
of those days. 

CHAPTER TWO. 
Smithville was reached from 
Wilmington by the line of ocean 
steamers which were a continua- 
tion of the great line to the soutli. 
These were four steamers named 
''The Gladiator,"' the *'C. Vander- 
bilt, the ' 'Governor Dudley'" the 
"North Carolina," the last of 
which was a spare ship to be used 
in case of accident to any of the 
others. They were commanded 
respectively by Captain Isaac B. 
Smith, Captain Sterrit, and ('apt 
Bates, and were very poijular. 
making their trips for many years 
to Charleston, South Carolina 
without accident. They started 
daily from Wilmington on the ar- 
rival of the northern train. Break- 
fast, and dinner were served on 
board between Wilmington, and 
Smithville, and they were fine re- 



pasts as they had the maikets of ever freight was offered, and this 
Charleston, and Wilmington to was nearly all the northein freight 
rely upon, with all the luxuries they becp-use the railroad was very 
afforded. These steamships took uncertain. Mrs. Duffy was re- 
passengers, and freight for Smith- markal^le in her powers of 
ville, and made their landing at a seeing and hearing, and her busi- 
wharf near where the steamer ness was, in addition to supplying 
Wilmington now has her lauding, meals to wake up passeugeis who 
Returning from Charleston they wished to take the steamer to Wil- 
stopped at the same v\'harf and miugtou as these steamers entered 
breakfast served between Smith- port l)elore light in the morning, 
ville, and Wilmington. I will it was necessary that Mrs. Dulfy 
here mention the name of a woman go by the sense of hearing,and she 
quite celebrated in the annals of could always hear these boats 
Smithville; her name was Mrs. which were side wheelers, far en- 
Mary Duffy, who kept an eating ough out to sea to enable the pass- 
house on the waters edge, which eugers she had collected to get up 
was long patronized by the citi- and dress, and go down to her es- 
zens of Smithville, especially by tablishment for a cup of coffee be- 
the pilots. For over twenty five fore going on the steamship wharf; 
years Mrs. Duffy arose about three as may be well imagined Mi-s. 
o'clock in the morning, and pre- Duffy was a very important char- 
pared breakfast for all passengers acter in the life of Smithville, and 
intending to go up in the steamer, she was duly appreciated by all 
A cup of coffee, or anything else the citizens of Smithville as a 
wanted by the i^ilots, who wanted good, and faithful woman; she 
a morning meal before going to lived to a great age and all 
sea in search for vessels. There through the war she continued 
were several fine deck boats which the same occupation so far as 
were very fast, and able to go to the waj- would permit but her 
sea in all weather; each of these house was finally burned and her 
pilot boats corried as mauy pilots business was destroyed, and she 
as were necessai'y, and sometimes retired to live with her daughter 
did not come into port again until in the house which is now the re- 
they had put all their pilots ctory of St. Philips Episcopal 
aboard of incoming vessels. The Church, and ended there her long- 
bar at that time had about 12 feet and useful life regretted by all but 
of water upon it, consequently by none more than the children 
vessels coming into thus port of Smithville to whom she supplied 
must be of that draft, and built to cakes which were so celebrated as 
carry from 1000 to 2000 barrels of to acquire the name of ''Duffy 
naval stores; they also brought Cakes," This steamship line was 
from the northern markets Avhat discontinued on the completion of 



the railroad, called The Wilminj>- travelled the eirouit in a ''one horse 
toil & ]\[auchester whioh carried shay," aud beiuji; a man of varied 
all through passengers for south- resources of entertaining the peo- 
ern ports Or cities. As may be pie they were always glad to see 
well imagined, this left Smithville him approach. The Rev. Mr. 
aground upon the shoals, and what Pickett was a man who preached 
to do was a matter for serious con- the gospel strictly on Sundays and 
sideration. How to get any during the rest of the days of the 
where from Smithville was a week, he sat and smoked his pipe 
difficulty not easily solved; there in peace, and left his parishoners 
were few horses or vehicles of any to enjoy life in their own way. At 
kind in Smithville, but the river this time the people of the church- 
was there at any rate, and if you es, and their preachers had'nt gone 
did not wish to go by land, and into politics, or any of the side is- 
riie in a cart you could take a sues which at the present day per- 
boat, of which there were plenty, plex the minds of the people, and 
and plenty of skillful boatmen to draw their attention away from 
to manage them; but neither of sacred things; so when the time 
these modes of travel suited the came, when this reverend gentle- 
public. Mr. Elijah Owen who kept man was expected, thecitizens who 
an old fashioned house of entertain- had been sitting on logs or in 
ment in Smithville had two horses boats gazing out upon the broad 
but no buggy; besides one of these Atlantic for ships to heave in sight 
horses was an ancient quadruped turned their backs upon the river, 
whose business it was to attend to and the ocean, and gazed out in 
the transportation of all persons the direction of the country anx- 
who died to their last resting ously awaiting his approach that 
place, and his services might be they might grasp his friendly 
required at any moment, and in hand in their own, and bid him 
consideration of these services, he welcome. It may be well here to 
was granted the freedom of the remark, that though they were 
town, and was pastured in the mostly engaged in maritime pur- 
streets of Smithvi le, from which suits they did not forget that there 
place he did not wish to go. The was a better country ahead of 
other horse was, during the inter- them to which sooner or later they 
vals I letweeu courts, mostly engag- mu,st all travel, and they wanted 
ed in transporting i^eople in the to have the way jpointed out to 
country and ploughing iields be- them so they would not be likely to 
longing to "Uncle Elijah." So the get ashore or lost in any fog which 
people sat down, and waited, and might arise. 

waited for the arrival of the Rev. In the absence of steam com - 
INlr. Pickett, and his wife m ho munication it was found necessary 

5 



to utilize the river as the best way ability, and well fitted for the bn- 
for getting to Wilmington, vso one siuess. She brought down all the 
or two enteri)rising men provided sunimer residents, of whom there 
sailing packets on which they em- Avere now a great many, and her 
barked and if the wind was fair decks were crowded with passeu- 
they made good time to the city, gers, and excursionists. It was 
If the wind was ahead however about this time that the first tug 
or a dead calm and they had to boats ever on the Cape Fear Eiver 
anchor it has come down to us by were put into service. One of 
common report that they had a these was the "Mariner" under 
pretty good time on board; plenty commamd of Capt. John Davis, 
to eat, and something also to drink the other was the^Equator" under 
which seemed to keep up their command of Jacob A. T. Price. 
spirits while they waited for some These tug boats however, did not 
body on board, to stick jack kuiv- wish to carry i)assengers and only 
es in the main mast, and whistle did so as a favor; so that the means 
for the wind. These adventurous pro\'ided for travellers was very 
people ahvays arrived in Wilming- unsatisfactory .They assisted great- 
ton Some-Time which was suflici- ly in towing of vessels which 
ent. Capt. Samuel Potter, and was all was wanted by the mer- 
Capt. Samuel Price were captains chants of Wilmiugtou. The time 
in whom they could put implicit of their service on the Cape Fear 
trust, and as they wtre n(.t in River was very shrot as the war 
a hurry they did not complain, which shortly afterwards begun 

But the necessity of a better captured nearly every thing which 
mode of travel between Wilming- floated upon the sea. The summer 
ton, and Smithville, soon led to residents of Smithville^did not how- 
the establishment of a steamboat ever depend upon these tug boat,^ 
passenger line by Mr. A. H. Van as they came to Smithville for 
Boklen the largest distiller of tur- fun and enjoyment and did not 
peutine in the city of Wilming- care much whether they went to 
ton. Wilmington or not until the season 

He put on the line the steamer was over. They were planters along 
"Spray" greatly to the satisfaction the Cape Fear river , and retired 
of Wilmington, and Smithville, merchantsof Wilmington, and they 
but her schedule was only for formed the most delightful society 
summer trade, and at the close of in Smithville for they believed in 
the summer season she was laid Smithville as a mo* t- delightful 
up, and soon afterward she was place of residence, and were inter- 
burned. This steamer was under ested in everj-thing that was done 
the command of Capt. John B. and participated in all the amu- 
Price, a Cape Fear pilot of marked semeut'-i of the place. But we 

6 



are now getting close iTponatime troops were sent to Smithville, nn- 
wh en every amusement and every der command of Major Ridgely 
interest commercial or otherwise (18.52) and there were quite a 
was to feel the dreadful shock of number of j'oung officers under 
impending war, and go out of ex- his command which at once inter- 
istence, leaving Smithville as lone- ested all the young people of both 
some and bereft of all pleasure as Smithville, and Wilmington, with 
its worst enemies could desire, the prospect that there would be 
In the next chapter of these rem- much gaiety such as is usual at a 
iuiscences I will go back, and give military post in time of peace. The 
some account of what happened in people of Smithville therefore re- 
more peaceful times. sumed all those friendly relations 

which they had been accustomed to 

CHAPTER THREE. in former years when Col.Childs, 

During the ten years from 1850 Major Churchill had been station- 
to 1860, being cut off from daily ed at Fort Johnson. In those 
communication with Wilmington, days there was something more 
Smithville relapsed into a state of than friendly relations, as these re- 
quietude which was first broken by lations ripened into marriage. Du- 
the news that a company of Unit- ring that time also the officers in 
e«i States troops had been ordered command, initiated many improve- 
to Smithville. As this was expec- ments not only in the garrison 
ted to enliven the place to a great grounds, but also in the town of 
degree, and much interest was Smithville. A beautiful double 
manifested to find out why sold- row of ceders was planted on the 
iers had been ordered to occupy front, which in a few years grew 
the place which was so far from into a shady walk, where the young 
anything war-like, that it might people could prominade, and wit- 
be called a ''haven of rest." It ness the military operations and 
was explained however, that in the drill and dress parade, to^see which 
adjoining state of South Carolina all the residence population gath- 
trouble was brewing on account of ered iu the gai'rison. A friendly 
certain laws which had Ijeen pass- relation grew between the people, 
ed by Congress which did not suit and the military. The officers all 
people of that state. Threats were joined with the citizens of the 
made that they would not support town in their desire to have a 
or obey the law and couseciuently church in Smithville, and a little 
the Goverument thought that they Church was built which afterwards 
would prepare for any emergency received the name of St. Philips 
that might occur, and that it would Chapel, named after the old Church 
be best to have troops within call, at Brunswick which was desert- 
and that was the reason why these ed and in ruins. The new Church 



was not orn;aiu/ea nutil isr>3, 
Avheu a meeting of the parishion- 
ers was held and the tbllo\vin.u- per- 
sons were elected vestryman, viz: 
John Hamlin Hill, Owen D. Hol- 
mes, Frederick J. Lord, Samnel 
Langdou, ])r Walter G. Cnrtis, of 
which nnmber Dr. John H. Hill, 
and Owen D. Holmes, were elected 
wardens, and Dr. Walter G. Cur- 
tis secretary and treasnrer. Ser- 
vices were occasionally held by 
the Rev. Dr. Draine of St James 
Parish, Wilmington, and lay read- 
ing by Dr. Hill, and Samnel Lang- 
don. This Church was consecrated 
by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Atkinson, 
Bishop of Xorth Carolina. 

The Company of United States 
troops was ordered away in 1S52, 
and two companies of the third 
Artillery took theii' place under 
command of Capt. J. P. McCown. 
The second company was under 
comnmnd of Capt. Getty, who after- 
wards was promoted to the rank 
of Major Genl. in the Federal 
service and served with distinction 
during the entire civil war. Capt. 
McCown resigned ftom the Fed- 
eral service, and so soon as war 
was declared was appointed Major 
Genl. in the (Confederate service. 
The difficulties which threatened 
in Korth I'arolina having been 
amicably adjusted, the two compan- 
ies nnder the command of Capt. 
McCown were ordered away, 
leaving Fort Johnston in charge 
of ordinance Sergt. John Belger. 
The troops were ordered away 
greatly to the sorrow of the people 

8 



of Wilmington, and Rniithvillo 
who had one and all endeared 
themselves to the people. During 
their stay however <'apt. Johu A. 
Brown had become engaged to 
Miss. Mildred Holmes, and they 
were shortly after mariied. 

The next year after these com- 
panies of the army left Fort John- 
ston a large force of officers and 
civilians employed by the United 
States Coast Survey under command 
of C'apt Johu N. Maffatt were or- 
ordered to make a survey at the 
mouth of the Cape Fear river; then 
the festivities which had been inter- 
rupted were recommenced, Capt. 
Maffatt being the chief promoter, 
and leader in all social enterprises 
as well as commander of the sur- 
veying force at the mouth of the 
Cape Fear. The principle social ev- 
ent was the formation of a troupe of 
private theatricals, the company 
comprising nearly all the officers 
and civilians engaged in the survey 
together Avith all the society peo- 
ple of Smiteville who felt them- 
selves competent to appear 
upon the stage; and many plays 
were acted greatly to the satis- 
faction, and amusement of their 
audiences; the l)arrack building on 
the Garrison ground being titled 
upas a theater. 

In perforumnce of these plays 
Capt. Malfatt was easily the most 
brilliant star. In the theatrical 
company were Capt. Charles Bol- 
les, Lieut A. C. Ryan of the U. S . 
Navy, M ho was elected by Genl 
Benj.F. Butler to (ommand the 



celebrated powder ship which of Simithvme;,l)ut as . inhabitaJits 

was expected to blow up Fort and residents were connected 

Fisher, aud drive its garrison in with the:?e l^istoric^il events it has 

terror into the woods and adjoin- been deemed propei' to insert them 

ing swamps, But none of these dire here. 

results happened. The summer of We will now return to Smith 

1854 passed away in Smithville ville proper^ aud describe some 

and much happiness prevailed in of the things whjoh happened 

town The young men of the Coast, during thattinie. But before I 

Survey were unable to resist the proceed, let me say that e\ ery 

attractions of the young ladies thing whi ch has hitherto hap 

who were present that summer, and peued has been peaceful and calls 

Capt. Charles Bolles was soon to my mind the beautiful words 

after married to Miss Eliza Walker of the poet; 

ofWilmington. Mr Gregory of coast <i Qh! love peace with beauty 

survey married Miss Sallie crowned, 

Baker also of W^ilmington. All Oh! lovely, lovely peace. 

went happily and no one present ^«^f «^^^ ^^y^^f.f^^S^^Ji^^/^^^' 
. / ^ . ^ . And crown the hills with fiOcks 

at any or these lestive occasions and herds 

could, by the widest stretch of the Let valleys shine with waving 

imagination ever have believed corn." 

that the roai- of hostile cannon This is peace, and I hesitate to 
would ever disturb the serenity chronicle the things which must 
which pervaded society In quiet come after. They are many, and 
Smithville, but which they were numerous, and dreadful to con- 
forced to hear only a few short template. War, pestilence, , and 
years later. almost famine are close at hand 
It seems proper at this point and yet the peoples who had lived 
of the story which is being related so, long in peace do not, and can- 
to say that very few of the actors not appreciate it. I have to chron- 
and gctresses, and lookers on upon icle Smithville as a military camp 
these festivities are now alive to and confusion worse confounded 
see this imperfect recital of the every where. . Far worse than war 
doingg of our younger days. Many pestilence, and famine was the 
of the officers of the Army, and period called "Reconstruction.-' 
Navy whose homes are herein that period, which is some years 
mentioned acquired great dis from the present writing I shall 
tinction by their deeds of valor postpone until I can speak of 
in the civil war which soon began, certain other peaceful times. As 
All that happened during the few almost evei y one of the actors in 
year& between 1852 and 1856 has the proceeding pages have gone to 
been a disgression from the story their rest some by means of the war 

9 



some by the natural course of age, were no uegroes present because 
others by desease which swept they had no business in any court; 



them away as if a tempest had 
swept over the land. I have not 
alluded to many persons, except 
those who had had a high char- 
acter and bore a prominent part in 
the service of their country and 
their memory will not be forgotten. 



CHAPTER FOUR. 

We will now return to our rem- 
iniscences of Smithville proper 
and will here say, that Smithville 
is not Smithville when invaded by 
people having interests foreign to 
repose. Xot that Smithville is 
not interested in outside affairs l>ut 
they are as clouds which obsure 
the sun for a moment then pass by. 
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil 
thereof is a motto which might 
will be inscribed upon the ban- 
ners of this ancient town. 

There were interesting scenes 
often happening which partially 
changed the even tenor of her way. 
There were the Courts of law, and 
the Magistrates Courts which ex- 
cited great interest, but this in- 
terest was temporary in its char- 
acter. There were four terms of the 
(^■ourtsof law each year; two for 
the Superior Courts of Law, and 
and two Courts held by the Jus- 
tices of the Peace of the county, in 
Avhich county alfairs were mostly 
dealt with. The holding of these 
Courts, and the transaction of their 
business was solely in the hands of 
the white people of the state; there 



they were the wards of the white 
population who attended to their 
needs, their interests, with as much 
care, and fidelity as they did their 
own. There were no criminals 
among the negro population; their 
place of business was at homt , 
and their work was in the fields, in 
workshops sometime and the fam- 
ily residence of their owners; they 
were a quiet, and happy people 
having plenty to eat, clothes t 
wear, and a doctor to administer 
to their ailments which were very 
few, and simple. If they commit- 
ted any deeds which were contrary 
to the rules, and regulations of 
their home life, they were punish- 
ed with great moderation, for they 
were a part of the family and 
their lives and their good health 
was essential to the prosperity of 
the home which was so valuable to 
them; they had no responsibility 
except responsibilities to work, 
and perform their duty and it was 
a rare thing for one of them to be 
over-burdened by excessive laboi-. 
Indeed it was not required of them 
that they should put forth all theii' 
energies because it was seldom 
necessary that they should do so. 
Most of them were docile, polite, 
aud devoted to the interest of their 
home. Of what use was it to them 
to conjmit murder, or burglary or 
arsons or assaults with intent to 
kill? It was not their nature or in- 
terest to commit such offences, 
and therefore thev were not re- 



10 



quired to go to court except as could do no harm. In loj-mer 

carriage drivers, or body servants years which was a long time ag<». 

to their masters. It follows there the Judges were attended to the 

fore as a matter of course, that the Court House by the Sheriff with a 

white people went to court for drawn sword in his hand. On his 

various reasons such as pleased approach, and entiance into the 

them. Some had business in the court room, a great hush settled 

courts, and were jurors, and wit- upon the audience who desired to 

nesses and officers of the court; but show their respect for law, and or- 

mauy went for the mere pleasure der. The trials were conducted 

of meeting their friends, and ac- with great dignity on the part of 

quaintances from distant parts of the Judge, and strict attention to 

the County. A good many of the the evidence on the part of the 

younger men went for the purpose jury, and decisions of the Court 

of showing off their fine horses, were usally just, so that appeals to 

and their skillful horsemanship; the Supreme Court were not as 

and always they Avere ready for a common as at present. Mr. John 

horse trade. At times when elec- Brown, a gentleman of great re- 

tions w ere going on, they w ent to spectability and a long resident in 

hear the public speaking, and to Smithville was clerk of this court 

post themselves on the issues of and being so quiet and inoffensive 

the lay. T"p to 1861 they were in his manners, it seemed very 

devided into two parties only, hard that in the later years of his 

which were Whigs and Democrats, life, when confusion worse con fouii- 

Both of these parties were compos- ded prevailed everywhere, that he 

ed of men of the highest respect- should have been so pressed with 

ability, and they loved to talk to trials which would have killed 

each other of the respective mer- many a man before those trial>4 

its of their candidates. The prin- were finished. In 1862 an ep:- 

ciples also of these two parties demic of yellow fever started in 

were respectable, and so much as Wilmington, the disease having 

they believed to be for the interest been brought thither by a block- 

of their common county which ade steamer. It raged with ex- 

they lored with great devotion and treme virulence in that city, and 

there were no side issues attach- caused the death of a large portion 

ed to principles of either party, of its in habitants, includingmany 

These side issues were left to the of its most distinguished citizens, 

people to talk over in their homes All who could, escape from the 

and neighborhood, so each man city, and went where they could 

could decide what he thought was find places to live. A large num 

best, and keeping them out of ber of these refugees came to 

national politics and where they Smithville, and brought the dis- 

11 



ease with them. Robt. W. Brown, old people, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, 
a son of Mr. John Brown, who had and Miss Valeria, their daughter 
sailed to Kassau in his schooner, destitute upon the streets of Smith- 
contracted fever in Nassau, and ville and while death, and fire wrs 
died there. Aboutthis time when destroying all this valuable prop- 
Mr. Robt Brown died in Nassau, erty in Smithville, many of his 
the news was brought home, that negroes escaped to the blockade 
Capt John B. Price had also died steamers which lay outside the 
and both these gentlemen were bur- bar. 

ied in a foreign soil. Mr. Brown's As before mentioned there were 
next succeeding misfortune was two Superior Courts, and two 
the death of his daughter Mrs. R. County or Majistrates courts each 
Cr. Rankin, and his daughter-in year; during the session of these 
law Mrs Robt. W. Brown both of latter courts, the bench was o.-- 
wh<>m contracted the disease from cupied by the principle justices 
a trunk containing the clothing of of the peace of Brunswick County 
Capt .Robt Brown which was sent from which body Mr. Danl. L. 
home from Nassau. The disease Russell, Sr. was Chairman, and 
then spread to the house of Mr. Saml. Langdon, clerk of the said 
Phillip Prioleau, whose wife, the court. Mr. Russell was a man 
daughter of Mr. John Brown, of acknowledged ability as pre- 
together with two of her sons, siding majistrate, and otherwise, 
Thomas and John Prioleau died in and was re-elected year after year 
the midst of the confusion which for many years. While Mr. Saml. 
reigned in the town of Smithville, Langdon lived he retained his 
and the universal terror which office of clerk, and was in fact, the 
prevailed, lest other victims might chief adviser of the court, the 
fall in quick succession and while lawyers and the people, who de- 
Mr. L. McGinuey, Mr. Brown's pended upon him for assistance in 
son-in-law, was lying sick almost every trouble they might have in 
to death in the family residence of their affairs. Mr. Langdon was 
Mr. Brown, and there seemed none par excellence friend to the people 
to help or nurse the sick, a lire whom he served with the utmost 
broke out in an adjoining house geniality, and interest always 
belonging to Dr. S. B. Everett, without compensation; and 

Soon the tire spread to Mr. Brown '^ it was thought by the people that 
house, and these fine residences he so much belonged to them and 
were all burnt to the ground, Mr. would serve them cheerfully even 
McGinney was carried out of the if he had to do so without food, The 
house while it was l)urning in al- majistrate's courts were conducted 
most a dying condition, but he with dignity, and under the same 
afterwatrds recovered; leaving . the <onditions. as regarded race; ^^and 

12 



color, as prevailed in the Superior a few years, followed her husband 
Courts. This state of aifairs, to the grave. Mr. Langdon was 
public, and private prevaile<l a merchant much esteemed in 
uutil the war begun in 1861. Smithville, and he had been con 
Smith ville always quiet, and ser- temporary with Governor Ben- 
ene maintained its character every jamin Smith, who passed the last 
summer being filled with itt^ sum- years of his life in Smithville, and 
mer residents who were the plan- for whom the town derived its 
ters from the Cape Fear River, name he having donated the land 
and many of the principle citizens upon which the town was laid out. 
of Wilmington and the utmost He had been a benefactor not 
friendliness prevailed between the only to the town of Smithville, 
summer residents and those who but had also given a large tract of 
resided in Smithville, land to the University of ^orth 

The business of the town, if bus- Carolina. His residence was 
iness it had, was the piloting of upon the spot which was to be oc 
vessels, and this was of course con- cupied by another Governor of 
ducted upon the waters of the Cape the state besides himself, viz; Gov. 
Fear. The business of pilots was a Dudley. This residcRce was sit- 
^reat interest to the public who uated at the corner of Bay, and 
witnessed their operations with Potts Sts., where the Hotel Bruus 
the greatest attention, because it wick now stands. The death of 
was certainly a magnificent par- Gov. Smith was a sad one to all 
orama to look at when twenty or who had known him for hisgener- 
thirty vessels appeared off the bar osity and public spirit. The 
and were brought in under full sail Memorial Hall at the llniver«ity 
and passed in front of the town in of North Carolina was built as a 
full view of all its inhabitants, and tribute to the memory of his life, 
when they had taken in their car- and character. 
goes in Wilmington, and passed The old home of Mr. Richard 
again out to sea, the view was Langdon was now occupied by his 
equally inspiriting. sou Mr. Samuel Langdon, who to 

the citizens of Smithville was a 

guide, philosopher, and friend; 
CHAPTER FIVE. j^^ married Miss. McRae of Fay 

Many other things had hap- etteville, a sister of the Hon. Jae. 
pened during this period, of which C. McRae, now dean of the law 
I have written in this chapter, Faculty of the University. The 
which cast a gloom upon the com- death of Mrs. Samuel Langdon was 
munity. Mr. Richard Langdon, an event which effected the people 
the father of Mr. Samuel Langdon, of Smithville with deep regret, for 
died, and Mrs. Langdon after she was a woman of great intelli- 

13 



gence, kind and friendly to all who American Revolntion proposed to 
knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel erect a monument over his grave 
Langdon lived very happily to- in the old Parish graveyard at 
gether in the old family residence Hampton Falls, and have probab- 
which was a house of the oldest ly done so. Two of his sons emi- 
style of architecture, of which grated to North Carolina. One 
there are now no specimens settled in Wilmington, and the 
left in the townof Smithville. As other,Mr. Richard Langdon set- 
might have been expected Mr. tied in Smithville, and died there 
Langdon did not live very long a few years before the date of the 
after the loss of his lovely wife, beginning of this record, leaving 
and great was the sorrow of the two children, viz; Samuel Langdon 
community over his death which and one daughter who married 
seemed untimely. He was a man Col. S. L. Fremont, who was the 
of stalwart form such as ought son of L.Sewell Fish of Xesv Hamp- 
have resisted the approach of the shire; the same family as the 
great reaper, Death. Mr. Samuel Hamilton Fish of New York, who 
Langdon came of a family distin- are people of influence and i>o- 
guished for learning and in several sition. He received the appoint- 
walks of life. He was descended ment, and eutared West Point 
from Dr. Samuel Langdon who was Military Academy. After grad- 
born in Boston, Mass., 1722 and uating he decided to change his 
was settled over the old Xorth name from Fish to Fremont, which 
Church of historic fame. Paul wasdone through an act of the Leg- 
Revere started from that point istatiire. After graduation at 
on his famous ride. His pastor- West Point he served in the U. S. 
ate lasted twenty nine years when army. For several years he, with 
he resigned to accept the Chap- his family were on board the troop- 
laincy of troops under Sir. William ship San Francisco which was 
Pepperel], going with them on the wrecked off the Atlantic coast on 
famous expedition to Loiiisburg. her way to the Isthmus. Miss. 
Later he was elected president of Emeline Everett, daughter of Dr. 
Harvard college, and held this S.B. Everett, who married Maj. 
position for six years. In 1780 he Taylor, who was also on board the 
returned to the pulpit and was steamship was lost with her hus- 
settled over the Parish Church in band, but Col. Fremont, and f.im 
Hampton Falls. He died in 1787, ily v.ere saved and came home to 
still pastor of his church then a Smithville from M^hich place he re- 
prominent organization covering signed as officer of the IT. S. 
a large territo^'y in the southeas- Army. 

tern part of New Hampshire. The Many other officers who suffered 
Society of theTheDaughters of The great destruction in the civil Mar, 

14 



resided in Smith ville at different But there were many others who 
times during this period, among ought to be mentioned and whose 
whom may be mentioned Capt. D. names ought not to be forgotten. 
P. Woodbury afterwards General, Mr.Thos. McTlhenny, Frederick J. 
and commanded the Engineer force Lord, Philip Prioleau, Dr. John 
which brought the Federal Army H.Hill, Owen D. Holmes, Dr. 
in safety through the swamps of Fred Hill, Thos. Cowan, and 
the Chicahomiuy to the banks of Henry N. Howard, were all rice 
the James river -where one of the planters from the Cape Fear river, 
greatest battles of the war was men of education and refinement 
fought. Captain Whiting, after- who spent their summers in Smith- 
wards Major-General in the Con- ville, and were friends of that 
federate Army was statioued at town to the very last. Mr. Robt. 
Fort Johnson in Smith ville, a con- W. Brown also had a fine resi- 
siderable time. He married Miss deuce in Smithville, and after a 
Kate Walker daughter of Major long life as a commission merchant 
John Walker of Wilmiugton. in Wilmington, he loved to spend 

Mr. Thomas D. Meares, well his summers in ease and tran- 
knowu and remembered in Bruns- quility. These gentlemen have all 
wick county, and who represented passed over the river, and are 
the county in the North ('arolina forever at rest from theii' labor?, 
Legislature, who owned a large and they leave behind them a re- 
rice plantation which now belongs cord of being Southern gentlemen 
to the Navassa Guano Co. made than which there can be no higher 
Smithville his summer home, and reputation to be desired. Th^^re were 
built a fine residence on the cor- many others scattered through 
ner of Bay and Potts sts. where he the conuty who uever lived in 
brought his family to live and no Smithville, but they were- well 
doubt expected to spend the last known to all its inhabitants as 
years of his life in ease and com- good citizens, and men of the 
fort, but who was deprived of that highest worth; many of them sat 
pleasure by the wai", which wreck- in the county Board of Magis- 
ed his fortune. He left a large trates, making the county court of 
family of children. He married Brunswick the equal of any in the 
Miss Jane Iredell, the daughter of state of North Carolina. 
Judge Iredell, a man distinguished But the clouds that had been 
in the state of North Carolina for gathering over the country, and 
his learning. Among his children constantly thickening, and casting 
we take the liberty of mentioning over the whole country a shadow 
Iredell Meares Esq. who became a of impending danger were now 
lawyer, and keeps up the family fast coming to an issue. AH kinds 
name for learning and distinction, of business ceased, all improve- 

15 



ments ceased, and all men stood in vessels of light draft could ])e used 

doubt of what was to come. They and these could not be relied upon 

did not know anything about war for oc«au navigation, and shipment 

for they had lived in peace. of cargoes to New York, and other 

The two great parties which had northern cities, 
hitherto governed the country were The value of the pine tree had 
the Whig, and Democratic parties been discovered both for lumber, 
and the people generally believed and naval stores. The lumber 
they were wise and patriotic, and trade was mostly carried on with 
well fitted to take the lead in what- the West Indies, and the naval 
ever events were to follow, and store trade with domestic ports 
those events did follow thick and north, and it was necessary that 
fast, and it was war which follow- larger vessels be u«ed and vessels 
ed, and all good citizens believed of deeper draft; consequently this 
it was their duty to defend their subjectwasiuvestigated by civilian 
country, and more especially their engineers who were supposed to 
native state. have some knowledge of such mat- 
There were no vessels coming in ters, and opinions were given free- 
from the north and most of those ly as to what should be done. It 
which were already here were was at first considered that the 
loading, and departing as fast as river ought to improve itself with 
possible. Even the small vessels some help by the engineer's project, 
which ran up the creeks and inlets The state made some small appro- 
found little business awaitiug them priations, and jetties were con- 
at the landing. The distilleries at strueted below Wilmington in or- 
Wilmington ceased their opera- der to concentrate the force of the 
tious and the saw mills only sup- tide in the channel which would 
plied the local demand for lumber, become deeper by the force of the 
The works of improvement upon water. But this produee<l but 
the river ceased and there was small effect. It was found that the 
nothing to do but to wait. river was full of cypress stumps, 
and logs, showing that at this lo- 
cality there had once been exten- 
CllAPrER SIX. sive cypress swamps. To clear out 
From the earliest times when the these obs tractions therefore must 
site of Wilmington was selected, first be accomplished, and this re- 
it was seen that no great commer- quired heavier machinery than the 
cial business eould be successfully stateor city could furnish. Heavy 
carried on, unless improvements dredging boats had not at this time 
could be made in the depth of been invented nor was the capital 
water in the river below Wilming- at hand to operate such;machinery, 
ton. It was full of shoals, and only consequently the idea was sugges- 

16 



ted that thii? work must be done bar at the mouth of the river, 
by the general government. There- The Xew Inlet was a large open- 
fore Congress was applied to make iug into the ocean made by a sc- 
an appropriation, and send en- vere storm over a hundred years 
gineers of ability to execute the ago. About half the water of the 
work. The work did not progress river on ebb tide went out by way 
rapidly for some years, but there of this channel, and the incoming 
were men of influence, and ability tide stopped the currents above the 
in Wilmington and public meeting ISTew Inlet, and caused it to de- 
were held and committees appoint- posit shoals in many places. It 
ed to go to Washington and re- was seen to l)e a very huge and dif- 
presentthe state of affairs to Con- fioult task to stop up this channel 
gress, and the Ignited States En- and there were several other open 
gineers. By this means appro- ings near the Inlet which were 
priations were made, aud engineers nearly as l)ad and had to be stop- 
dispatched to survey the river and ped. This was accomplished 
make report of their proceedings largely by bags tilled with sand, 
Mr. Henry Xutt, a merchant of which were dumped into .these 
Wilmington, and a man full of en- channels, and a beginning, 
terprise was able to see what the made to stop uj) the New 
future uf Wilmington might be if Inlet by means of cribs of timber 
the river was opened. Mr. Nutt which were loaded with stone, 
was a distiller of turpentine, and ''But man proposes, and God 
had large amounts of the product disposes", and a great storm 
of the pine tree to be shipped, and arose which swept away every- 
the business was growing in mag- thing in its path, and all the at- 
nitude, and its influence felt upon tempts of improvement came to 
the business of the country. But naught;' besides this, dark war 
even the engineers of the United clouds arose and prevented all 
iStateg had little or no experience further efforts for the time 
in these matters and the improve- being. - 

ments lagged, lagged. After re- The large stock of naval stores 
peated trials, many different plans which lay upon the wharves in 
resulting in little benefit to navi- Wilmington must be disposed of 
gation, It was determined that the and transported to market with all 
key to the position was the filling possible speed. Vessels were load- 
up of the New Inlet, and the con- ed with as much dispatch as pos- 
sequence was the filling up of that sible, and a gieat number of other 
inlet, and the consequent diver- vessels were sent to the port of 
ting the whole force of that tide Wilmington "to load'wiih naval 
into one channel, which would be stores for northern ' markets, and 
down the river, and out of the thus the stock which had accumu- 

17- 



lated was disposed of before war upon the fort from many batteries 
had actually been declared. The in the vicinity, and after a terrible 
laborers in the forests were called bombardment lasting a few days, 
to their homes, and they brought the garrison which consisted of on - 
their tools with them. The dis- ly a few soldiers under Major 
tilleries ceased operating and the Anderson, was forced to surrender 
stock in market lessened with and theUnited States flag was haul- 
great rapidity; and when the war ed down. The effect in the town 
actually opened there were but ofSmithville was very great; all 
very few vessels on the ocean citizens were in a state of the 
bound for New York . greatest excitement to hear the 

All business came to a standstill news, and when the result was le- 
waiting to see what was going to ported to them they knew that war 
happen. The pilots who had had actually begun, and that their 
brought these vessels down the business was changed from the 
river and out to sea, came to their arts of peace to those of war with 
homes and also waited . Smithville all its attendent horrors. War 
itself assumed a condition of utter was something new to the quiet 
quiet, and the visitors who usual- citizens of Smithville, and the 
ly came to spend the summer re- matter was discussed by all the 
mained at their homes. Nothing people including men, women, and 
was talked of among the people but children. There were visitors in 
the state of political affairs, and its Smithville whose homes were in 
probable effect upon the country; the north, and they immediately 
and this condition continued until packed their trunks and started 
the opening of the year of 1861 upon what they knew to be a 
when war actually began in the perilous journey. The Goveru- 
state of South Carolina, and Fort ment however, did not interfere 
Sumter in the harbor of Charles- with travellers of this discriptiou 
ton was summoned to surrender, and they were given permits to 
Ships loaded with provisions and pass the lines, and go to their 
war supplies were ordered by the homes in the north. The citizens 
Government to Charleston, and of Brunswick county came in from 
when they arrived they were fired all quarters to find out the news, 
upon from batteries commanding and returned to distribute it, and 
the bar, and these vessels being to carry gloom to the homes of 
only transports without armament every citizen. 

of any kind on board turned 

around, and returned to the north- CHAPTER SEVEN, 

eru ports from whence they came. On a bright morning in the 
The garrison at Fort Sumter refus- month of May 1861, the sun rose 
ing to surrender, fire was opened clear and beautiful, and the ocean 

18 



at New Inlet exhibited its display and saw a superior force against 
of fireworks in the shape of dancing which he could not contend, and 
waves which greeted the rising sun. he therefore asked the attacking 
Nature was happy at any rate force of soldiers what they pro- 
and apparently wished everyone posed to do, and they informed 
else to he happy. The citizens of him that they wanted the keys of 
Smithville walked about the streets the guard house, and the ordnance 
a little, and then sat down to talk storehouse. Having given up the 
and to wait. About noon a sloop keys, he was told that he could 
was seen approaching from up the continue to live in the house until 
river; but most of the citizens who further orders from the Governor 
watched and waited upon the shore of North Carolina. Sentinels were 
w^ere pilots who did not take much then detailed to guard the place, 
interest in anything but large ships and give due notice of the approach 
and so they did not manifest any of any hostile force which seemed 
interest in the vessel; but the small able or desirous of disputing the 
boy had put in his appearance on possession of the property; and so 
the wharf, and it was seen that ended the first battle of war iu 
they were greatly excited about Smithville. The troops were then 
what was to happen,and they cried assembled and marched back to 
out with one voice, '^the soldiers their vessel which was lying at the 
have come." And so they had. for wharf. They then set sail for 
presently the tap of drum was Fort Caswell at which place they 
heaid and the soldiers landed, and landed and marched to the Fort 
forming ranks, marched up the where Ord. Sergt. Dardankiller 
street and throug^h the garrison was in command. He also was 
gate to the officer's quarters which summoned to surrender the fort 
seemed to be deserted. They form- and all property therein, which he 
ed a line in front of the door and at did, seeing he could not help him- 
the command of their Captain, or- self; therefore the troops marched 
dered arms and then stood at rest, into the fort and took possession. 
Then the Captain advanced to the officer disposing his forces upon 
meet the soldier who stood at the the parapets, and at the gates of 
entrance, informed him that they the fortress after which the mili- 
had come to take possession of the tary forces were dismissed to await 
Government property, and asked events, with insti'uctions to be 
him to surrender. This officer ready for action at the first alarm 
was Ord. Sergt. James T. Eiley But no alaim followed and they 
of the U.S. Ord. Corps. Sergt. settled themselves down to get as 
Riley was not a man to surrender much ease as they could, which 
anything without good reasons for was mighty little. On inspection 
so doing. He looked around him the fort was found to be delapi- 

19 



dated and almost unfit for human Union and orders were given by 
habitation. There were no guns the Governor, that trcops designa- 
mounted which could be fired, the ted for the service should take po- 
moat was nearly filled with sand session of the Government proper- 
and mud, and there was not a ty within the limits of North ('aro- 
room in the fort finished or fur- Una. When this was done all 
nished; mosquitoes were the only could see that the war had actual- 
energeticar objects that made an ly begun for troops in sufficient 
appearance. To the troops who numbers came and took possession 
had performed this service for of the property and held it against 
their country, there did not seem all invaders for four years until 
to be any of the pomp or circum- the close of the war. While this 
stance of ''glorious war;" but it was going on however the iuhabi- 
was necessary to keep up some tan ts of Smith ville who were not 
form of military display and the liable to military service and were 
sentinels posted upon the walls therefore non-combatants met to- 
were ordered to give immediate get her on the street corners, and 
notice of the approach of any elsewhere and had much serious 
hostile ships which were seen to and wise conversation on the con- 
enter the harbor. None came dition of affairs- in the town of 
however and ^fter waiting a few Smithville. They saw that every 
days a liner steamer was seen ap- man liable to military service 
proachiug which they found to be would be summoned to take the 
the bearer of dispatches to the field and help fight the 1>afefclesof 
effect that the troops occupying his country. They saw alsa::that 
Fort Johnston and Fort Caswell civil law, had also ceased ' to 
should evacuate those places and operate and that there might be 
return immediately to Wilmington much disorder among and between 
where they were to disperse and the soldiers and the citizens who 
return to their homes. It was were about to occupy the place, 
explained that North Carolina had They discussed the - situation as 
not yet seceded from the Union, regarded the women and children 
and until she had done so the of the place who might be un- 
united States were the right- protected. They felt that the 
fill possessors of all such prop- little property that they; possessed 
ci'ty. might be very insecure since thej'^ 

The inhabitants of Smithville had heard that the Confederate 
looked at each other and wondered, soldier believed that one of the 
They had not thought that the war functions of his position was to 
would end so soon, without^the loss defend women and children and 
of a single man. But North Caro- that therefore anything lying 
lina soon after seceded from the around they had a right to 

20 



take without leave or license, also being tluly reported to Captain 
without compensation to the own- Bell he would reply by say lug that 
ers. They actually did take such ''he was sorry for their infirmities 
fences as they saw would be but that Mustang liniment was a 
convenient for fire wood. They good thing to rub on the aching 
also discovered a turpentine dis- places and that a small quanity of 
tillery in the yard of which there Plantation Bitters taken internally 
was about four hundred barrels of would finish the cure." Captain 
rosin; they thought it very con- Bell issued orders then that they 
venient to make fijes with; they should all meet for drill the next 
therefore took, and burnt up the morning and one member of the 
whole of it as they wanted it. force proposed to the Captain that 
The full worth of this rosin was the soldiers of the ''home guard" 
about two or three thousand dol- should be required to bring camp 
lars. Much confusion prevailed stools with them so that when they 
at first and the old citizens of the were tired they could sit down and 
town proposed the establishment rest. Captain Bell then gave the 
of the "home guard" for the pro- order of "attention" and put them 
tection of their home interests, through the various drills march- 
Consequently a public meeting was ing around the town and it was 
called to meet at the court house, observed that when one of the 
and aftei' much discussion an or- company got opposite to his own 
ganization was formed. Mr. John home he left the ranks and was no 
Bell was elected Captain, his chief more seen. The "home guard" 
qualifications being that he was being thus weakened so that they 
good natured and not likely to en- could not face any kind of an 
force any military discipline what enemy, it was moved and second- 
ever. Much wisdom was apparent ed by one of the members that the 
in the proceeding of the conversa- "home guard" be now discontin- 
tion of these ancient gentlemen, ued, to which motion Captain Bell 
They therefore proposed to the remarked that he"thought so too" 
Captain a great number of things and the motion being unanimously 
heretofore unheard of in any mili- carried thus ended the famous 
tary organization;the principal one "home guard", 
being that as they were liable to It may here be mentioned that 
become fatigued by the exertion of Ord. Sergt. Jas. T. Riley resigned 
marching and inquiring of the citi- his position in the Ord. Corps of 
zeus "if they were well" and lis- the United States Army and as 
tening to their replies that "they soon as his resignation was accept- 
were not to say well, that they had ed he enlisted in the Artillery ser- 
a mighty hurting in their heads vice of the Confederate Army. He 
and a misery in their backs" which was soon promoted to the rank of 

21 



-dajor in vvhich position he served plete ramp pfjiiipage. r.iKt thev 

through the Avar Avith great gallan- pitched their camp alougtide the 

try distinguishing himself in many brick Avalk in the Garrison and in 

of the hard fonght battles of the the shade of the beantifnl cedars 

war. Sergt. Dardankiller however which had been planted many 

as soon as he could procnre trans- year,s ago by Col.Chnrehill of the 

portation retnrned to the north and United States Army, at a time 

nothing further was ever heard Avhen all were at peace, and no 

from him. l»ody expected that thishappy and 

prosperous govtrnuient would 

CHAPTER EIGHT. ever be otherwise than of peace. 

As has been related in previous Then followed in quick suc- 

chapters, the procession of events cession two companies from Gabar- 

now continued with increasing nis county which wore the^'Gahar- 

rapidity. Day by day the condi- rus Black Boys"uuderGapt. — One 

ion of affairs in SmithviJle was of these co)npauies took up their 

different from Avhat it had been quarters in the barracks. The 

the day before. Orders were "Black Boys'' had theii- quark r.s 

issued by the Governor of the in the hospital bnildiug whic'j 

state that all able bodied men that the Ignited States had erected, 

were liable to do military duty Other companies followetl in 

must immediately report to the quick succession. Two companies 

nearest enrolling oificer for the from Columbus county wlio found 

purpose of being attached to some quarters in the Garrison enclosure, 

military company or regiment. Other companies who found the 

By this order Smithville was Garrison t'nW were quartered on 

deprived of a large number of its the town. Company G. 20th N. ('. 

male citizens, and the streets of f:Jarlaud's Brigade was from Bruus- 

the town began to assume a look wick county, and ((uartered on 

entirely foreign to its hitherto J'ranklin Square, under Capt. 

(|uiet, and peacefuf aspect; for as John H. Brooks, Jst Lieut. Oliver 

soon as the Smithville contingent E. Meicer, 2nd Lieut. Thos. C.' 

had left, their place was tilled Fulwood. (^'ompany C. :>Oth N. C. 

with whole companies of soldiers Anderson's Brigade, (.'apt. Green, 

from other counties and towns of 1st Lieut. D. C. Allen, 2ud Lieut, 

the state. The first company that S. P. Tharp from North West, 

arrived was the Rowan Rilio D. L. Russell's company of artil-' 

Guaros. commanded b\ Captain lery, and Capt. ,U)hu D. Taylor's 

Hamilton .bmes. The next com- company' were ordered to Fort 

pany was the DapliuGuards under Caswell foj'duty. There were al- 

Capt. Claude Denson. These t.vo so two companies from Sampson 

companies Itrought with tlifm com- county who were sent t*i Smith- 

32 



ville for (iriH. Smiths illf was be wauted anU noro >i]«ii f'i«.vno=. 
now full of soldiers, and the town as he could get. Now the soldiers 
presented the appearance of a mill- havnng departed it was felt that 
tary camj). Patrols were ordered Smithville was a lonely spot on 
to patrol tliestieets, and sentinels the earth's surface. Bur as if for. 
at the corners of the s-treets. and the purpose of enlivening' matters 
the Avork of drilling commenced, somewhat great ships were dis- 
The sound of "hep, hep. " Mas covered on the 0(.'ean approaching 
continual and was the only music the Cape Fear bar and live or six 
except that of the drum. These of them dropped their anchors, 
companies being detached com- This was the ])lo;'kading tiect 
panics, were many of them from which had l)een sent by the I'nit 
time to time ordered away to join ed States to shut up the door of 
regiments in other parts of the theCape Peai- and pi event either 
state. ingress or egress. To the eyes of a 

Steamboats such as were then pilot this fleet of great ships was a 
on the Cape Fear river^ — most of glorious sight to look upon as they 
them hardly fit for sei-vi<'e — were had not seen any ships for a long 
passing to and from SmithN'ille to time. They thought of the time 
Wilmingtonbringing recruits, Com- which liad passed when the river 
missary and Quartermaster's stores was full of ships waiting a pilot 
the wives and children of soldiiers and they hoped for a " time 
in the camp who came to see their when peace should arrive and 
husbands and sweethearts Itefore commerce be re I'stablished. They 
the linal paiting which was not did not have to wait long however 
expected to happen for all these before they were notified by the 
soldiers were needed to help tight Confederate Govei-nment to hold 
the battles of the Confederacy to themselves in readiness to carry. 
Virginia. It seems proper to sa> out such vessels as might be ready 
at this jjoint that the citizens part- to run the blockade. This block- 
ed with these soldier boys with ade running business had already 
considerable regret for they were begun and one steamship, "The 
sober and stalwart men not addic- Kate" commanded by Captain 
ted to strong drink or the vices Tom Lockwood a native of Smith- 
which at the present day of ad ville, a skillful and daring officer 
vanced civilization recjuire acts of had attempted to bring her into 
Legislature to keep them within port, and had been fired upon by the 
the bounds of propriety. Prohib- blockaders, and injured to such an. 
ition as a moral agent had not extent that she sank inside the 
been invented at that time and river in spite of all effort to keep 
in reality it was not required, her afloat. It was understood there 
Every Soldier ate and drank what were many other steamers loading 

23 



in Nassau and preparing to try the than the army in the field. Late 
perilous experiment of running in the summer of 1862 a block- 
in the port through the blockade, ade running steamer entered the 
They found it easier to get in than port of Wilmington. There were 
they expected and most of them cases of sickness on board the 
made the voyage a success although steamer and Mr. Fanning, Health 
they were fired upon. As fast as Officer of the port had beendriveu 
they got ready to go out again a from the vessel which required 
pilot was assigned to each vessel and sanitary inspection, with indignity 
notified when he might be wanted. Physicians were summoned to see 
Thus the pilots got again into busi- the sick on board this steamer and 
ness and were of great service to though they suspected the nature 
the Confederacy. of the disease they did not pro- 

The army in the field required claim it to be Yellow fever to the 
more supplies than the country public for several days. Then it 
could produce and they had to be was too late for the disease had 
imported. Vast quantities of arms penetrated to various parts of the 
and ammunitions, clothing, shoes city and soon became epidemic, 
and food were required to support The populatiou of the city were 
the army in Virginia and it re- terror stricken and they made 
quired the genius of men having every eifort to escape to any place 
great political and commercial ac- to where they could find refuge, 
tivity. Fortunate was it for the Before they could escape, people 
North Carolina troops that so were beginning to die and were 
great a man as Zebulou B. Vance stricken down so they could not 
was governor of North Carolina, leave. A considerable number of 
His patriotism and his sympa- refugees however, came to Smith- 
thies were aroused to that extent ville where they occupied every 
that he devoted his entire time to available house. They brought the 
furnishing through the blockade, fever with them and many of these 
supplies for North Carolina sol- refugees died .But fewof the perma- 
diers. Without the supplies fur- nent residents of Smithville con- 
nished by the aid of Governor tracted the disease and most of 
Vance a large part of the army these recovered except the family 
in Virginia would have found of Mr. John Brown which has been 
themselves destitute. But we can- heretofore narrated. During the 
not follow the fortunes of the army prevalence of Yellow fever in 
in the field as those of the South- Smithville nearly all the troops 
ern people who had to remain at were ordered to leave the town 
home soon found themselves in and camp outside in the forest and 
the presence of an enemy more there to await orders, 
powerful and more to be dreaded 

21 



riTAPTER XTNE. Imt no one took the disease from 

It is worthy of notice that Smith- him. Added to these examples 
ville though often exposed in years the terrible misfortunes which 
goue by did not contract yellow happened to Mr, John Brown's 
fever even though brought in con- family during which so many of 
tact with those who had the disease, them died were directly traceable 
Capt. Isaac IJ. Smith commanding to the clothes of his son Eobt. W. 
the line steamer "C Vanderbilt" Brown which were sent home from 
contracted the disease inCharleston ISTassan and those who handled 
while it was raging in the city these clothing contracted the dis- 
in great intensity in 1852. He was ease and died bnt no case occnrred 
brought directly to his own home outside his immediate family; so 
in Smith ville and after beng sick that it may be reasonably consider- 
for several days, under the medic- ed that Smithville possesses con- 
al care of Doctor S. B. Everett, an siderable immunity from yellow 
old physician of great experience, fever. The immigration from 
ke died in the midst of his large \Yilmington soon erased, there 
family who were constantly in at- being no more quarters obtainable, 
tendance upon him. Hewasburi- Although the disease lasted in 
ed from his home. A large attend- Smithville more than a month 
ence of the people of Smithville there were not more than two or 
were at his funeral. No one con- three cases in the town, one of 
Iracted the disease from him. There whom died and the other two re- 
was another case which happened covered. It was some time before 
before this time, of a pilot or a sea it was considered safe for the refu- 
captain who also contracted the gees to go back to their homes in 
disease in Charleston and was Wilmington. In that city many 
brought home to Smithville where hundreds died and the city being 
he died without communicating almost depopulated it was acom- 
the disease to anyone. There was mon sight to see the dead carried 
still another case of a seaman from to their last resting place in common 
one of the steamers of the U.S. piue boxes hauled by drays with 
Coast Survey who died in the Gar- few or no mourners attending the 
rison in the midst of a great num- ceremony and no clergyman to say 
ber of his fellow seaman. A phy- a prayer over these graves. This was 
sician in the Confederate service in the year 1862. But in the natural 
went to Wilmington and stayed a course of events the disease declin- 
couple of days and came back to ed as cold weather set in and frost 
Smithville where he died in a day occurred. Anxiously did the people 
or two with the most virulent case of Smithville and Wilmington look 
of yellow fever: he died in most for the first frost but no frost came 
thickly populated part of the town until the 20th November which 



was a mouth later than the usual could be saved; this kind of sal- 
time when the disease became al- vage was indulged in by soldiers 
m.ost extinct. at the forts, and by everybody 

Affairs now began to assume that could get a boat to 
their natural aspeet,and there was get alongside. This was a safe pro- 
nothing to excite special notice ceeding when a blockade steamer 
except the roaring of the great had gone ashore on the beach, l)e- 
guns from the blockading vessels, cause they were out of range of the 
and it was facetiously remarked enemies' cannon. There was a 
that it was intended to strike ter- great deal of i)lunder saved which 
ror to the hearts of the "rebels" as was of great use to everybody in 
thereseemed nothingelse to shoot vicinity of the wreck. Articles 
at. Blockade running continued such as medical stories of all kinds, 
to increase, and the pilots were the most important of which was 
one bj^ one notified to come to Wil- quiniue, and Smithville did not 
mington and take charge of ve,ssels suffer during the whole course of 
which were loaded and ready to sail war for lack of that valuable drug, 
on the first dark night which should Much clothing, including shoes 
occur. The citizens of Smithville and blankets for the soldiers use 
watched these matters with the and sometimes large quantities of 
greatest interest, and once in a l:)acon, which was a valuable food 
while a great cannonading was for everybody. Chickeiy in hogs- 
heard at sea, and dense clouds of heads was also found and used by 
smoke issued from the funnels of tlie people making them think that 
the blockaders. There was noth- they were drinking coffee. A great 
ing to do however but to wait for many valuable boxes of surgical 
news, and it was very seldom that instruments were saved, but they 
any reached Smithville until the were apt to be somewhat damaged 
steamers returned from another by salt water. The steamer 
voyage. Once in a while news "Modern Greece" is an example 
came to friends of the pilots, that of one of these ships, which went 
one of their- number had been cap- on the beach, under the guns of 
tured; this meant generally that Fort Fisher. The steamer "Ei la", 
they would not return until the whose boues project above the 
end of the war. It wa« a great waters of "Bald Head" was a total 
event in the history of blockade loss. 

navigation when a vessel was at- There was very little else doing 
tacked coming into port and was in Smithville except the welcoming 
forced to run ashore to save the home of an occasional pilot, or bid- 
lives of the crew. Then a great ding farewell to some other one 
excitement prevailed to get to the who was about to leave. The citi- 
stearaer ashore, and save all that /.ens who, during the last year, had 

2(> 



been biiriiiiig tallow, into which But as usual everywhere when a 
a wick of indilfereut length Aras man is knoAvn to have money, 
dipped, then wound upon a stick everybody wishes to share it by 
and then unwound, were eminent- fair means or by foul, no matter 
ly pleased when a pilot would which. But in accordance with 
bring home a kerosene lamp, and the generous nature which mar- 
a gallon of kerosene, and these val- iners are apt to possess the money 
u able articles were introduced first slipped from their possession very 
by Capt. Thomas M. Thompson, fast. They lent it to anybody they 
This running of the blockade was a considered a friend without seeuri- 
most interesting and exciting bus- ty and they spent very freely for 
iness, and it continued to the very every thing they wanted and a great 
night when Fort Fisher was cap- many things they did not want. If 
tured. Two blockade steamers they had known that the time 
came in on that eventful night would come when they would be 
when the great lleet off Fort Fisher pilots no longer, they might have 
was celebrating their victory by been desirous of saving their small 
illuminations and fireworks of fortunes for such an emergency. 

every description. There were two 

steamers that came in on this night C'HAPTEE TEX. 

commanded by Captain Maffett, The epidemic of yellow fever 
and sending a boat ashore and which made such ravages among 
linding that Fort Fisher had been the population was over, and theje 
captured, he weighed anchor, Avent Mas great hope that it would not 
immediately out to sea again appear the next year, but still 
passing directly thro the blockad- they could not feel entirely easy 
iug fleet, who were so busy celebra- in their minds on the subject, 
ting their victory that they did Germs might be hidden away in 
not notice the passing of the ship some uulooked for place awaiting 
which made a safe passage back to development, but the people re- 
Xassau. solved to meet the future with all 

The pilots and their families the equinimity they could com- 
throve wonderfully during this mand. 

period of the war as the risk was Oai^t. John AV. GalloAvay had 
great, also the pay and gold money been relieved from command of the 
which had not been seen iu a long Coast Guard, and ordered to report 
time began to make its appeareuce for duty on a blockade runner, 
greatly to the joy of all beholders; When he was next heard from it 
and if the pilots had known so was to the effect that he had died 
much about finance as they did of yellow fever at Xassau; and this 
about navigation they would most was the second death from that 
of them have been rich men today, disease among the pilots. Capt. 

27 



Galloway was a man of great abil- indoed. The Garrison with iis 
ity as a pilot, and much confidence beautiful grounds, and its shidy 
was placed in him to meet any walks where so many had taken 
emergency. He was a sincere pleasure in former days, was re- 
friend and those who knew him duced to a ruinous condition. One 
were filled with regret that he had day an officer, purporting to be an 
gone from them to be seen no engineer, made his appearance 
more. and ordered that the beautifnl 

Blockade running had now been row of cedar trees should be cut 
carried on to such an extent that it down, and that a battery of heavy 
seemed almost as if there were gnns should be erected for some 
regular lines of steamships running purpose. It was not usual to place 
to foreign ports. Their services to batteries of eight inch guns in the 
the Confederacy were great, as middle of a populous town where 
they brought food and clothing there were no soldiers to man these 
for thousands who were in the guns and no enemy in sight or ex- 
field fighting for their country, pected. In order to get there- 
while their families were left at quired material to l)uild the trav- 
home to fare as they could with- erses between the guns, the soil 
out their natural protectors. It of the entire town to tiie depth of 
was with pleasure and pride that several inches was dug np and car- 
their fellow citizens looked upon ted away to build this battery .Bat- 
the efforts which helpless women teries wei-e also erected on Dutch 
with cheerful faces were making man Creek, on High Biufiftppo- 
to support their families. But it site Deep Water Point, and also 
was sad to often meet women and at Reaves' Point. Xone of these 
children in the streets, wan, pale batteries were ever manned by 
and dispirited and poorly clad. Confederate soldiers. But war 
When they were sick, medical at- does many things that are iuex- 
tendance was freely given them plicable and perhaps the engineers 
without reward or hope of i-eward. knew their business. As they never 
Many of them needed medicine, fired a gun from these batteries dur- 
and food alone could bring color ing the war, it M'as left for a Ped- 
to their faded cheeks. But the eral ofticer to take away the guns 
women of the Confederacy were and level dowa the ground again 
noblewomen even in iDoverty, and to its former plane. These defen- 
they made little or no complaint ses were the only things the civili- 
as long as they believed the war ans who were left in the town com 
was waged for their good; and pliined of during the whole course 
they waited patiently for the result of th3 war, and this wa-i because 
But the aspect presented bj- the they could not see in their unfami- 
town of Smithville was sorrowful liarity of military engineering, 

28 



Avhat it v> as done for .The citizens of Federal officer who was rcportetl to 

Smithville and those all a'ongthe have gone to Wilmington several 

coast as far as Little Elver, now times and walked about the town 

turned their attention to the man- without being discovered. We 

ufactnre of salt. There were two shall see more of this daring otVuer 

works in the town of Smithville, later on. 

and as the works were inexpensive As these things were going on a 
they made salt to amuse themselves Confederate soldier came from 
and drive away dull care and sor- Richmond in 18()8 to Smithville on 
row. They hoped of course to a visit to his relatives and laought 
make a little money with which to the smallpox with him. The few- 
supply themselves with the ne- citizens who remained in Smith - 
cessities of life, but when they had ville were terror-stricken and they 
money by the bushel, (C'onfedei-ate felt that all the misfortunes which 
money) and there was nothing to attend humanity in this life had 
sell, they gave it np as a l>ad now come to wipe them and their 
job, families off the face of the earth. 
On a dark and dreary night dur- There was no vaccine virus within 
i7ig this period. Lieut. Cusbing of thelimitsof the Confederacy that 
theT^. S. Xavy with a small boat's was known and they therefore felt 
crew slipped noiselessly from the themselves obliged to take their 
blockade and landed in Smithville. chances. The smallpox spread with 
The object of this expedition was fearful rapidity until every house 
to capture the Confederate (Jeneral in the town was full of it and it was- 
and his staff whose headquarters the most virulent epidemic of that 
were in Smithville. As it happen- disea.se ever known and every case 
ed the General had gone to Wil presented the appeai-ance most re- 
mington and was not at home to re- pulsive. The odor pervaded every 
ceive his unwelcome guests; but house and even the streets and 
they captured two of his stalf ofli- there wereonly a small number of 
cers, marched them to the boat and immunes to bury the dead. There 
went out of harbor unobserved were some cases of smallpox among 
with the captured ofticers; and also immunes and one man who had 
sentries were placed at short dis had the disease and who had been 
tances all along the beach. They badly marked had it very lightly, 
were not seen or hailed and noth- The blessing conferred upon lin- 
ing was known of this raid until manity however by vaccination 
the next morning. On his return was perfectly well marked. Almost 
General Hubert was much aston- all who had been vaccinated in 
ished to find his ofticers absent infancy or in early years were per- 
from duty. This was one of several feetly safe which they soon discov- 
dariug expeditions made l)y this eredgreatly to their joy. T here take 

29 



occasion to say that the doctors of ing vessels from the public. Then 
75year8ago were very particular to in the early part of 1864 a block- 
vaccinate every child so soon as ade running steamer came into 
possible after its birth, and I regret port, having onboard pilot An- 
also to say that this practice has derson of Smithville, who had the 
been very much neglected in late yellow fever and perhaps others, 
years mostly I think from careless- Pilot Anderson was in the last 
ness and neglect on the part of the extremity of yellow fever as the 
parents. ship approached the blockade; aud 
]Sfow having related some of the and it was necessary to get through 
sorrows which befell Smithville, it the blockade or lose his ship. On 
can be said that the people who being apprised of the danger, he 
were left breathed more freely, for told the captain to have him car- 
"hope springs eternal in the hu- ried to the deck on his cot, and he 
man breast- ', and they hoped with would direct the helmsman how to 
some degree of assurance that they steer. The ship arrived in port 
were safe. The Confederate in safety, but was fired upon while 
authorities medical or otherwise, this pilot was sick unto death 
had found out by sad experience and directing the hehnsman. The 
that war was not the only thing ship anchored opposite Deep 
that reciuired attention, and hav Water Point, where this brave 
ing discovere<l that by allowing pilot died jin^afew hours ii\ sight 
the military authorities to drive a of his native larul, as his mother 
health officer from the decks of a stood at the open door ready to 
ship tilled with the yellow fever receive him. This was the third 
they had done a bad thing for the pilot who died while performing 
Confederacy. They therefore ap his duty. There being no guard 
pointed Dr. .John MearesofWil- boat placed aioiind or near the 
mington as inspector aud quarau ship, persons went on board from 
tine physician, and dijected him Smithville and contracted the 
to go to Smithville, and take up disease of which they died in a 
his abode there; to inspect every few days; but not before they had 
ship that came in thro the block- communicated the disease in the 
ade.and if found infected to detain town to those who died 
her as long as he might think ne- also. 

cessary. Dr. Meares was eminent 

as a physician, but inexperienced CHAPTER ELEVEX. 

in the manner of treating yellow To speak of the inhabitants of 

fever. He performed his duty Smithville at this stage of affairs 

however, faithfully and to the is almost a contradiction of the 

l»est of his ability, but he was not truth. They consisted of but few 

piovidcl with the means of isolat- old men incapable of military ser- 

30 



vice, a U'V.- piid?. who were await 
ing orders to go on board a ship 
ready to sail, the wives and child- 
ren of soldiers who were away in 
Virginia in the army and the fam- 



ofhim thiit he played liim.-ell' out 
(»r variou.s prisons by his musical 
skill which was really wonderful. A 
feeble effort was therefore made 
among these people to have a little 



ilies of pilots who had gone away social pleasure which none of them 



and had not returned. It was re- 
ported that many of the pilots had 
been captured and were now in 
northern piisons from Boston to 
Baltimore awaiting exchange or 
such other fate as might l>efall 
them. There was also in Smith- 
ville one company of Confederate 



had had for some years, ft was 
somewhat after the manner of 
Nero playing among the flames of 
burning Kome. 

Mr. Owen I). Flolmes, and fami- 
ly and Dr. John H. Hill Mere on 
their plantations of Kendal and 
Lilliput trying rather vainly to 



soldiers and the headquarters of keep up theii- si)irits as there were 



the Commissary and Quartermas- 
ter's department. These were in 
charge of Major John Blount and 
his two clerks. Mr. and Mrs. Fred 
Eobiusou. Mr. John E. Lippit^^and 
his wife also occupied quarters in 
Smithville. There were also two 
ladies from Wa.shington, N. C., 
visitors of Major Blount. The Rev. 
Mr. Greer w as also iu Smithville 
and held services iu St. Phillips 
church. Mr. Prioleau and his son 
and two daughters. Dr. Frink, 
his wife and daughters had returu- 



newspaper reports thai Fort P^'isher 
would shortly be attacked by a 
great force of the enemy. The 
writer well remembers ( and at this 
period of time it seems like a huge 
joke) that Doctor Hill insisted 
that if the Yankees came about his 
plantation that he would have one 
shot at them at any rate; but he 
thought better of this the next day 
when he gathered together his ne- 
groes and started to the interior of 
the country. Mr. Owen Holmes 
did the same thing and escaping as 



ed here from the interior of the they thought into Sampson county 



state which they found was no 
safer than Smithville. Miss Mary 
Catheiine Lord was also here visi- 
ting at the Frinks. She afterwards 
married the late Rt. Rev. A. A. 
Watson. Mr. Sidney Lanier and 
his brother, the former of whom 
was afterwards highly distinguish 
ed at the north as well at the south 
as the foremost poet in America. 
He was a most skillful performer 
upon the flute and it was related 



where they thought no enemy 
would ever discover them. But 
sad and bitter was their experience 
for they got right in the tract of 
Sherman aud his bummers and all 
the negroes who had been so care- 
fully taken to this place of safety 
went over to the enemy aud assist- 
ed them in their work of destruc- 
tion and depredation. 

The geutlemeii and ladies here- 
tofore mentioned, who tried to for- 



31 



get the war and have a little amuse- 
ment here in Smithville, actually 
acoomplished their purpose to a 
considerable extent. Most of them 
met together in the evenings, and 
beguiled the time with delightful 
mnsie; and while the cannon at 
Fort Fisher and Fort Caswell were 
being inspected and put in condi- 
dition for a battle this little com- 
pany in Smithville were singing 
"Dreams," "What are The Wild 
WavesSaying,"and so delightfully 
they passed the time that it really 
seemed as though peace had ac- 
tually come. But only a few days 
after these happy times a great 
fleet of ships of war and their at- 
tendant transports under command 
of General B. F. Butler, sailed 
down the coast and dropped their 
anchors in front of Fort Fisher. 
These ships presented a magniti 
cent spectacle to lookers on in 
Smithville who were at safe dis- 
tance from the battle. They opened 
fire shortly after noon in Dec. 
18G4, and the most terrific bom- 
bardment of modern time ensued. 
The writer was informed by Gen. 
Whiting, who was in command of 
the di8trict,andCol.Lamb who com- 
manded the fort, that sixty thous- 
and shells were fired into the fort 
on that afternoon. As night ap- 
proached it seemed to the spec 
tators in ymithville, that the fort 
must certainly be in the hands ot 
the enemy. There Avas a very 
small force in the Garrison at Fort 
Fisher, and they were not vet- 
erans either. Thev consisted most- 



ly of the last levy upon the Con 
federacy, and were mostly boys 
not inuured to danger or the hard- 
ships of battle; and there were 
very few troops in the vicinity, 
by which the fort could be re-in- 
forced. It was therefore a great 
surprise to the people to hear the 
next morning that the fort had 
not been captured, but that Gen. 
Butler had sailed away with his 
great tieet and given up the con- 
test. It was reported however in a 
few days, that the Government 
had removed General Butler from 
his command, and that a General 
of great ability had been chosen to 
command the fleet, and that the 
attack would shortly be renewed. 
So the condition of affairs in Smith- 
ville assumed a peaceful aspect 
again. By this time there were 
very few left in Smithville of either 
soldiers or citizens, and all who 
could get away from the place with- 
drew to a safer locality. The Q. M. 
and Commissary stores were re- 
moved partially and Maj. Blount 
an 1 his family and their visitors 
left Smithville. Then thei-e was 
another period of waiting. In 
about three weeks the great fleet 
returned, and the attack re-com- 
menced under the command of Ad- 
miral Porter. A lai-ge force was 
landed upon the !)each above the 
lort, and they stretched across the 
nai'row neck of land from the ocean 
to the Cape Fear river. Nothing 
could be seen of the enemies' ships 
or what they were doing, at Smith- 
ville; but the bombardment was 

i2 



iiicessaiit and after twenty four soon became evident tliat an at- 
hours the fort AA-as captured by as- tack upon Wilmin-tou on that side 
sanlt a1)ont9 o' clock P. M. Fan- of the river had been adandoned 
nary 15th. ,1865. The hrst inti- and that they wouid cio.-\s Iht^ 
ination they had in Sniithville of river and j'enew the attick on the 
the result, was when the boni])aj'd- western side. They had se;'ured 
raeut ceased, and there as seen a nnmber of negro3-^ to show them 
to be a great display of fireworks the way, and transport*^ cai'rying 
of every discription which annonn- thousands of sokliers Avit'i their 
ced the fact that the fort had fal- baggage and stores landed in 
len. All was nov,' quiet in Smith- Sniithville, and marched throngh 
ville and it remained so until the thetowii. They mar.-hed to the 
next night when it was seen that rear of the place tn the nnmher of 
Foi-t Caswell and all the forts in about live thousand men and en- 
the vicinity wei'e on hre. As the camped for the night. The citi- 
2 flames spread from fort to fort the /en population of Smithville which 
*niost territic explosions occured. were few in number, now had an 
shaking the very earth, and an- opportunity to see something of 
nouncing the fa:'t that all the foi-ts war; and it seemed to them that 
below FortFisher and at the mouth the enemy were as numerous as the 
of the river had been abandoned sands upon the seashore. The 
and the troops withdrawn. The next morning they resumed their 
troops manning thpse forts march- march up the river guided by Lem 
ed down the beach to a crossing Brown, a negro, besides other ne- 
about four or live mile* below and groes. Fort Anderson and all the 
crossed by the mainlaiul, contin- other forts on the west side of the 
ning theii' march in the direction ri\er were evacuated and there was 
of Wilmington. The. few soldiers little tightiug on theb- way to Wil- 
who were left in Smithville follow- mington which fell into their 
ed this army, and left Smithville a hands without a shot !»eing 
silent and deserted place, whose tired. 

inhabitants wondered what was Xow Sniithville had jelapsed 
to happen next. But the next again into its state of tiuiet, but 
day after the capture of Fisher, not the quiet of former days, for 
heavy cannonading was heard on tliere were"camp followers'* and 
the eastern side of the river, and "bummei's" in the rear to pickup 
it was evident that the enemy were anything which might come to 
trying to make their way up that hand, which amounted to very lit- 
side to capture ^Yilmingtca^. But tie. Negroes however reaped a 
the country on that side of the rich harvest in the shape of cloth- 
river was not suitable for an ad- ing from soldiers and blankets of 
vance, and tiring ceased, audit which the forest was strewn. 

33 



On reviewiug the situatiou it where they joet a boat i'roui the 
seemed as though Smithville must eiieray flj'ing the Vuited States 
be the most lonely, deserted spot flag. Captain Cnshiiig it appears, 
upon the lace of the Southern had turned up again and the sui- 
Confederacy. But there were a render of the town of Smithville 
considerable number of wounded was made to him. In a few appro- 
men belonging to both armies who priateremarksCaptainCushing was 
were left in buildings in the town infoi-med that the town had been 
which had been occupied l^y the entirely evacuated by troops and 
Confederacy. One or two doctors that it's population consisted of 
remained to care for the wounded women and children aiid a few non- 
men, competent men who requested that 

he would protect their lights as 

CHAPTER TWELVE. citizens. Both boats theji turned 

Although civil government had towards Smithville and landed at 
practically ceased to operate, for a the Garrison wharf from which 
long time a few of the old officials place the committee departed to 
called a meeting of the citizens to their homes; but l)efore doing ^o 
consult as to what should be they were informed l>y Capt. Cnsh- 
done. ing that the citizens must bring all 

It had been observed that two of fire aims in their possession and 
the enemies' ships had come around surrender them to those in charge 
Frying Pan Shoals and were an- of the boat. A few of his men were 
chored olf Fort Caswell.lt was co«n- directed to proceed to the officer's 
eluded that they had arrived to quarters of Fort Johnston and take 
take possession of those abandoned possession and to haul down the 
fortifications. This proved to be white Hag upon the flag staff and to 
true for soon men were seen on the hoist the flag of the Tuited States 
parapetsof Fort Casvrell engaged in in it's place. This concluded the 
erecting a flag stafffrom which the ceremony of the surrender. But 
Stars and Stripes could float upon there was more yet to ])edone. A 
the breeze. The citizens of Smith- large assembly (;f negro men. 
ville therefore determined to raise A^omen and chiidieu had collected 
a white flag on the flag staff which at the boat in order to greet their 
stood in the Garrison and to send "saviors'', and to fall upon their 
a boat containing a committee of necks and kiss them if such li))- 
prominent citizens bearing also the erty ^lu)nld be allowed. Captain 
white flag. to meet 1 he enemies' boat Cashing then addressed the sable 
which was seen coming aiouud the crowd and informed them that they 
point. Appointing one of the com- were free, that they were in all re- 
mittee spokesman they rowed out spects equal to the whites and 
boldly into the middle of the stream would be so treated. In order to 

31 



make sure that this was true he ^'Fuele Gibi)", aud his posterity, 
directed that they (the negroes) ''Uncle Gibb" had been treated 
should form a procession and give during his entire life as kin<lly as 
three cheers which they did saying, any white citizen in the rown. 
"God bless Massa Lincum we'se Hehad a house to live iiM)icnl> of 
free" and ''Massa Lincum is cum- food and clothes, and a horse and 
in in a day or two to bring each of dray; and it was diflicult to per- 
ns a mule and a deed for forty ceive how he had betteied his con- 
acres of laud.'' The procession dition by freedom; but he soon 
then started to move, amid wild found out as he was brought a 
cheering for ''Massa Lincum." prisoner into the Garrison for some 
There were some small United Stat- alleged offence. Here he was tied 
es tlags scattered amongst the up by the thunil)s to an oak tree 
crowds which they waved frantical- which stood there, and hoisted till 
ly in the air crying, ''hallelugah, his toes barely touched the groimd . 
hallelugah." The procession then This was done in full view of his 
moved through the garrison to own sister who was cook iu an ad- 
Moore St. a motly crowd dressed joining kitchen, and who fainted 
in every conceivable style bearing and fell at the awful sight. He 
banners of anything that Avas a thus had an opportunity to tind 
bright color and they started down out whether the new friend^of the 
Moore St. amid cheering for"Massa coloied race were any better than 
Lincum.'' They marched doMn the old fiiends who had treated 
Moore St., to Boundary St., up him with such kindness. 
Boundary to Nash St., up Xash to The ceremony attending the 
the Garrison where they dispersed, surrender having been completed. 
Thus ended the surrender of Smith- the boat containing the plunder 
ville which was now inmilitary po- was dispatched l)ack to the'OFon- 
session otibc Ignited States. The ticello",an(l there being ai)[)aieiit- 
otficers of the T'nited States Xaval ly nothing to do on shore, the 
ship ''ilontieello" under comnmnd sailors were given liberty and the 
of (^apt. Gushing took possession of officers proceeded to enjoy them- 
the Garrison building where they selves. The sailors spread them 
established themselves as comfort- selves ever the towji. and proceed- 
ably as they could. Ke-inforcements ed first to inspef-t the pul)li(' build 
arrived Irom the ships and sen- ings. They broke open the court 
tinels were placed all around the house and it's oflices, tore up such 
town with orders not to allow any papers as they found lying around 
one to pass out or in without wiit among which happened to be the 
ten permission. entire record of the Court of Efjuity 
In the procession which had and scattered them about the 
marched around the town was streets. They went to the Aca- 

35 



demy l)uilding in which was a VrilmiDgtou was a centre to wliifh 
Masonic Hall, and stole the jewels all sick and maimed, and disabled 
of the Order, and carried them on soldiers were brought to embark on 
board the ship. It is fair however steamships which carried them 
to say that these jewels fell into away to their Northern homes 
the hands of the ship's surgeon and hospitals. It was a pitiable 
who being a Mason hiraself,return- sight while they were vraitingfor 
ed them as soon as possible to the transportation, to see hundreds of 
lodge. They did not however dis- them sitting around on doorsteps 
tiirb any of the churches of which or any pla 'e where they could find 
there were but one or two, one rest. The Quartermaster and 
Episcopalian and one Methodist. Commissary Departments which 
The Episcopal church had beeu were on duty in Wilmington, assis- 
thoroughly desecrated by others ted these disabled men as fast as 
before the town surrendered. This they could; but the war was not 
state of things continued for a few yet over, and the military govein- 
days only, Mheu this force of sail- ment had to be established inWil- 
ors were relieved of duty, and the mington. It was not long before 
149th New York Eegimenf was the end came. The (•onfederate 
sent to occupy the position. This soldiers who had evacuated all the 
regiment was composed of good places in the vicinity of W'iiming- 
and Avell-disciplined men under ton, marched up by way of the rail- 
command of Col. A.M. Barney, road, and couceutrated thereunder 
who proceeded to restore order ai the command of General Jos. E. 
once in the town, the soldiers com- Johusou, and the batileof Benton- 
mandedbyhim being well discip- ville was fought, in whi-li Col. 
l^ued. ]{ubt. G. Kankiu was killed, and 

In tliis way fi-iendly relations Col. John D. Taylor so se\'erely 
were established between the mill- wounded as to lose one of his 
taryand the civilians, who no. v arms. 

considered themselves safe. Daring I shall not per.sue the sul.)Je{'t 
the period of three or four months of the war any further, it being 
in which he commanded Fort John- evident thitit was approaching 
ston, there was order throughout its end, and I am not tiying to 
the town, and nobody was perjnit- discribe anything minutely that 
ted to i)e disturbed. does not etiW't the destinies of 

Transports wej-e placed upon the Smithville. 
river, running every day to Wil- After the surrender of Gen. Lee 
mington, and these cities wore once at Appomattox, there was not 
again in friendly relations to each much more to relate of military 
otherjbut there was greatconfasion proceedings. The Confederate 
in Wilmington for a long time, army disintegrated, and the sol- 

36 



(liers who remained hastened to hooks; and that all these things 
their homes as rapidly as they were deposited in the boat in per- 
conld. Both Smithville and Wil- snance to military order number 1; 
mington remained in military occn- and that all these weapons had 
pation of the Federals. been transported to the great ship 
The description of the landing lying outside the harbor, in strict 
of General Cushing's boat, and of obedience to orders. Now it is a 
his famous order to the people of most interestingqnestiou what has 
Smithville, to wit: that they should become of all the weapons which 
briDg all firearms and weapons of it was necessary to capture in or- 
oftence, and dangerous to human der that the slaves might peacefal- 
life was obeyed to the minutest ly and without danger traverse 
particular. Since the citizens re- the streets of the town, and cele- 
maining in Smithville consisted al- brate the great event which to 
most entirely of women, children them seemed only second to that 
and pilots it is natural to suppose other arrival which we have meu- 
that the weapons they surrendered tioned as the arrival of the wonder- 
were extremely varied in their ful, the Councellor the Great, and 
character, and we may also reason- Almighty Lord. Now they could 
ably suppose that there were old wave their flags, and shout ''bress 
Queen's arms of the Eevolutionary de Lord", and '^Massa Lincum for 
period, bird guns and shotguns for what he has done for us", with- 
of all kinds including pistols of the out fear of old Marsters or Misses, 
flint lock variety, probably with- or any other dangerous person 
out flints; that there were bind- whatever. We hope that this col- 
geons, swords, guns aud steel traps, lection of weapons may sometime 
Also since it had been some years come to light in the great museum 
since the blessed period which we which will illustrate the capture 
now call Christmas, which was of Smithville and ''de close ob de 
so wonderful and important to the wah." 
world by the arrival of the Prince 



of Peace, that the children of CHAPTER THIRTEEN. 

Smithville must have turned up It would take much time and 
all their little weapons including space to describe everything that 
blow-guns, spring guns, and every happened for the next two years, 
other variety of gun which so de- The Confederates who belonged in 
lights the childish fancy, and Brunswick county aud Smithville 
which had been for four years laid were working their weary way 
aside, and almost forgotten; and homew^ard. The pilots who had 
the pilots brought those weapons been in prison were released and 
which appertain to their calling came slowly home, 
somewhat, viz: harpoons aud fish Smithville had seen continual 

37 



change; white troopvS and colored electiou. (Should he i»e ordered he 
troops went and came according to was to march to the polls to the 
orders. Some of them were muster- music of the drum and under colors 
ed out in the Garrison here and of the United States. As he could 
proceeded immediately to Wash- not read his vote he was ordered to 
ington. As a general thing the supply himself with tickets from 
troops had been quiet and under certain persons designated for that 
control of their officers.The Freed- purpose. All these things and 
man's Bureau had established it- many more had to be taught to the 
self in Smithville and was con- negio because in the beginning his 
stantly issuing rations to negroes mind was blank but he was apt to 
who applied for them. There was learn these foundation principles 
a detachment of Yankee '^school upon which his freedom was 
marms" who sat down here, and guarranteed. But these things 
instructed the young colored "idea which have been described only 
how to shoot." The army strag- applied to Smithville. It was in- 
glers and carpet baggers and bum- tended by the rulers of the Eepub- 
mers and "school marms"continued lican party at Washington under 
the work of instructing the color- the lead of Thaddeus Stevens, Char 
ed voter. Mauy important ideas les Sumner, Wendell Philips and a 
had to be instilled into the vacant host of others scattered through 
minds of the colored man who was the northern country, and by the 
to be a voter, a legislator, a judge. Congress of the United States so 
a member of Congress and makers far as they could govern it, that re- 
of laws to govern the white race construction should begin with the 
who were mostly disqualified from coufiscatiou of all lauds heretofore 
exercising any fuuction. What the owned by the whites and cultivat- 
colored man had to learn was im- ed by slaves. That the white owu- 
portaut.Hehad to learn thathe was ers should be made to surrender 
free and the equal of the white their rights in favor of the ex slaves 
man; he had to learn that he must It was expected that by this means 
not take off his hat while speaking the land owners should be made 
to a white man or woman and that paupers and the negroes rule the 
above all things they must not ad- country. President Lincoln whose 
dress them as master or mistress, policy was beneficial and intended 
and to continually remember "dat to heal all the injuries which the 
de "publikiu party-'had freedhim war had inflicted had been assasi- 
from slavery and that if he had nated by the bullet of John Wilkes 
voted for a Democrat for awy office Booth. The ultra members of the 
he would immediately be put back Republican ring made a great pre- 
into slavery . These principles were tense of mourning but in reality 
necessary as preliminaries to an they believed that an obstruction 

38 



to their fiendish policy had been had been declared. AYhat they 

removed. Vice president Johnson did is a matter of history. Bruus- 

had become president and it was wick connty was represented in 

his policy to carry on the beneficent this Legislature by a carpet bagger 

ideas of Mr. Lincoln, but that did named Edwin Legg an ex-suttler 

not suit the view of Thaddeus Ste- of the Federal army. It is not 

vens and his band of conspirators, proposed to go into any description 

so they brought articles of im- or criticism of the Legislature, for 

peachmentagainst President John- it was a body of men to forget 

son and would have succeeded in rather than remember. The elec- 

removing him had it not been for tion held in Smithville was the 

a very few voters which they could first trial which the new voters 

not control. Failing in reconstruct- went through, and was intended 

ing the country on this plan they to establish their capacity to be 

passed laws which rendered voters and their strength in this 

President Johnson powerless to do district. All Federal offices had 

anything and vested the powers been filled by Republicans, who* 

which should have been exercised exercised all their powers to insure 

by the president, in Congress. a solid negro vote. The negroes 

They repudiated what President were gathered together and provid- 

Johnson had done in the way of ed with votes and marched to the 

reconstruction and put the South polls where their votes were in- 

under military government. The spected to insure that they had not 

first election in N^orth Carolina was been tampered with. The military 

held by orders issued through Gen- were statione 1 within convenient 

eral Canby commandiug the de- call in case any obstruction was of- 

partment in which North Carolina fered to prevent the voter from 

was situated. This election was voting the' ^publican ticket." The 

held under rules and regulations interest with which every negro 

of military orders eminating from voted was a terror because he was 

headquarters from Charleston. A instructed that a continuance of 

ticket was formulated which con- his freedom depended upon his 

sisted of such men as the ultra voting against his formei* master; 

Republicaus approved. The Demo- and he has never forgotten the les- 

crats held an election and nomina- son then instilled in his mind.But 

ted a ticket. The ballot boxes it is beyond the purpose of this 

were sent to General Canbj^ for paper to go into descriptions 

the votes to be counted and certi- of the outrageous work which was 

ficates of election were issued to carried on during this time. It 

such as could be trusted. continued until the great states- 

Hence orginated the first Legis- man and patriot, Zebulon B. Vance 

lature which was held after peace redeemed the state from negro dom- 

89 



ination. After bis election the tieal strife bat O'.ir common coiintiy 
people breathed more freely, and has been elevated to a higher plane 
felt that they were once more to of unselfishness whicli will now 
direct public affairs. Even Bruns- become a pai^t of the world's his- 
■wick county which held a large tory, and when that history is 
negro majority, once more passed written it is to be hoped that what 
into the control of conservative we have gone through will be the 
men. Through all this trying per mere episode in the history of the 
iod there were a few men scattered United States which will not dis- 
through the county who labored turb the mental quiet and peaceful- 
zealously to bring about relief, and ness in which we ought to remain 
finally better councils prevailed as friends and companions as broth- 
so that the white population con- ers in arms on land and sea with 
trolled the county and every part our tlag floating in every harbor uf 
of it. I will merely in concluding the world as the token of our great- 
this chapter say; that had Abra- uess as a united people, 
ham Lincoln been permitted to In reviewing the pei'iod which 
live he would have carried out a elapsed from the close of the war 
humane policy which would have up to the election ot (lovernor 
brought relief from the dreadful Vance it will be seen that wise and 
calamity which the war had en- patriutic men whose names should 
tailed and the whole people of the be known and insc-ribed upon the 
United States would ha\'e been pages of history were laboring 
happy and prosperous, and the continually to restore peace and 
miseries which have come upon us prosperity and in doing this they 
would have been entirely averted, had to act with great judgement 
Many years ago we might have had and discretion. It is impossible 
the same result in which we now to name all these men, but it may 
enjoy peace and prosperity. he said with truth that they were 

Our universities and our public all Democrats. This writer does 



school system had been re-estab- 
lished upon a sure basis, and our 
young men are going out to estab- 



not remember the name of one 
white Kepublican who, during this 
period acted upon any other i)rin- 



lish the reputation of our state ciple than to retain power in the 
in every branch of commerce, and hands of his party. While the 
every branch of scientific culture Democrats of Br.vaswick county, 
and improvement. There is now and I think of the whole stite, act- 
no real reason why the citizens of ed on the principle of restoring 
the United States should be divid- peace and making a genuine, happy 
ed by ultra x^artizan ideas. ^^> and reunited country in whose 
have had a long and tempe-^tuous breast patriotism was th,' moving 
journey through rough seas of poll- principle. Vo\. John D.Taylor, 

40 



William AVatters,Oweii D. Holmes, had shown by the war that it pos- 
D. S. Cowan, Saml. E. Chiuuis, tressed almost unlimited power. 
D.C. Allen, John M. Bennett, John Great as was the war it had not 
Mercer, Wilson McKethan, Saml. exhausted the north whi-h had 
and Jabez Friuk, John II. Min':z, had the world's power ready to 
D. L. Butler, Jesse Lancaster, come to ifs assistance whenever 
Peter Eouik, Eufus Galloway, disaster had befallen its arms. It 
David Gilbert, S. J. Standland, was but a reasonable conclusion 
Thomas G. Drew, Francis Moore, therefore, that the south must give 
W. G. Curtis, and a host of others "P the contest. Had it not been 
equally as good, whose names there for the institution of slavery, the 
is not sufficient space to record, south could not have maiutained 
Avere the men who worked in sea- itselfas long as it did, for the 
son and out of season to bring back south had put all its men of tight- 
peace to Brunswick county and to ing age into the conllict. Old men, 
the state. These men were assisted young men and boys had joined 
as opportunity offered, by nearly the army of the Conlederacy, and 
every member of the legal profes- i-^ had fought v.ith brilliant energy 
sion who practiced at the Bruus- ami enthusiasm. Their leaders 
wick bar, and they were always had been of greater military capa- 
ready to come over Irom Xew Plan- city than those from the north, and 
over and other counties to help us. their brilliant strategy had excited 
The names of those who acted on the admiration of the whole world, 
the other side are well known to lu particular the great genius of 
thi-i community, but I will not General Robert E. Lee which was 
record the names of one of them, displ.nycd in all the battles bet-.veen 
They went by the names of ''black the Union and the Confederacy. In 
republicans," ''fushionists," and all arms of the service they had 
generally speaking their principles heen almost invincible and they 
were anything to beat the Demo- were only weak in point of number, 
crats, and they remain without But it must be set do-.vn to the cre- 
the love of the citizens of Bruns- dit of the slaves of the south, that 
wick who belong to the Demo- although in their untutored minds 
cratic party. the desire of freedom existed, yet it 

, did not display itself in lighting to 

CHAPTER FOURTEE:?^. gain that freedom. They remain- 

We shall now lay aside for a ed at home on their plantations and 
brief period the subject of war and worked deligently for the ''old 
reconstruction but we must say marster" who had gone to the war 
here that the war had developed and for the "old mistisses and 
and shown the great resources of yo"ugi"i«tisses" who remained at 
both north and south. The north home and who with unflagging zeal 

41 



did what they could to assist in the es would have goue back peaceably 
great work which laid before the into the Union v.ithout the difflcal- 
soldiers in the field. The majority ties which coutinualiy arose and 
of the slaves remained faithful to made the process of reconstrnctiou 
the last, and made the corn, pota- by the Republicans almost an im- 
toes,cottou and all the agricultural possible task. But instead of this^ 
products which were produced on the time consuaied in reconstruc- 
southern soil. Thus the slaves tiou occupied many years of the 
made it possible for the armies of wildest confusion which has been 
the Confederacy to exist because heretofore descri])ed in these pa- 
men will not fight when they know pers and now time with leaden 
that their wives, and children are wings had passed away.had traver- 
starving. A few of them compar- sed the space consumed by war, 
atively speaking, were mustwed pestilence aud famine and reeoii- 
into the service of the Union, structiou, and peace seemed to be 
mostly on the frontier while a few hovering over the laud. 
of them all along the coast escaped All thebusiue.'-s operations which 
to the blockading ships. Bat the had been discontinued, i-esumcd 
intellect of the negro v.as not sulti- life again aud work began every- 
cieut to originate libei-ty nor did where where the white man was in 
they know what to do with itafter possession of tlie field. Planta- 
they got it; therefore they fell into tions wereagaiis put in order, and 
the hands of designing men, poll- the splendid rice plantations which 
ticians^ cirpet-baggers, seallawags bordered the Cape Fear river be- 
and school ^'marnis" who emigra- gan to look green aud promised 
ted to the south in great numbers fruitful crops. The waters of the 
all assisting to make true their Cape Fear aud the Atlantic gleam - 
contention that the negro was ed with their white sails. The 
equal to the white man. meichauts of AVilmiugton and 

In the process of reconstruction producers of all commercial crops 
it was the chief aim of the politi- began the various 'operations cou- 
cians to make the negroes tit for the nected with their businesses. The 
liberty which had come to them laborers who had returned home 
without their elforts. Siuce tSiey carrying their axes and turpentine 
were to be free, wise councils on- hackers with them, now resumed 
the pai-t of the Democratic states- their tuols and returned to the 
men of the north would have en- forests. The distillers in \\'ilmiug- 
abled Mr. Lincoln aud others of his ton prepared for business. Tiie 
class to reconstruct the Federal Goverumeut of the United States 
Union viithout the terrible scenes showed itself willing to assist in 
which were enacted by Republican such great woj'ks as the improve- 
politicaus and all the southern Stat- ment ofrivers and harbojs. Men 

42 



of enerijy aud eutbnsiasm had been l^ew York and uortheru cities. It 



seut to WasliingtoQ and appropri- 
ations were procured for carrying- 
on work "on the river and bar.Geu- 
eral William P, Craighill, an en- 
gineer of distinction was appointed 



was necessary to accomplish this, 
that square rigged vessels such as 
barques and brigs should be used 
and the successful results of several 
voyages established this foreign 



to take charge of the Avoi'ks on the commerce permanently for the 

Cape Fear river with his able as- city of Wilmington. The business 

sistant, Mr. Henry Bacon and the of making turpentine and distilling 

work was taken up where it had it into spirits aud rosin was resum- 

been left at the beginning of the ed with great activity and contin- 

war.It was determined then to close ued for sevei'al years. As a natural 

up the new inlet and turn all the consequence of this great business 

waters into one channel. This was the turpentine was exhausted and 

a great work but not too great for the business began to decline. The 



money, skill and energy to accom- 
plish and it was accomplished after 
several years of persistant labor and 
results immediately followed, show- 
ing the gradual deepening of the 
river and bar. This was eminent- 
ly satisfactory not only to the 
merchants of Wilmington but to 



great pine regions of tSouth (Uro- 
lina, Geoigia aud Florida Mere 
brought into use and the centre of 
this trade had to be transferred to 
Savannah, Ga. Of course no hu- 
man foresight or energy could pre- 
vent this, as the pine forest must 
of necc^ssitv A'ield uo this vital 



all citizens of Xorth Carolina who tiuid,and go into a state of exhaus- 
were interested in commercial per- tion in a certain length ot time, 
suits. The results were not pre- This condition was shown con- 
cisely as expected but they show- clusively by a gradual but sure 
ed a deep harbor and plenty of decrease in the number of sailing 
water on the bar. It showed also ships which came to the port of Wil- 
that a good channel up the river niingtou for cargoes. If Wimiug- 
could now be dredged out which ton had not possessed men of great 
would remain more or less permau- commercial ability, and untiring 
ent. If shoals accumulated up the energy, the commerce of Wilming- 
river they could be easily reuioved ton would have entirely ceased, 
by the expenditure of money. It Cotton must besubstitute, and the 
was at this crisis of affairs that soil aud climate of the south was 
certain merchants in the city of such that this business had only 
Wilmington of whom Mr. E. E. to be started to insure ijermanent 
Heide was the pioneer, determin- success and this was done by the 
ed to establish direct shipments firm of Alexander Sprunt & Sous, 
to the various ports of Europe merchants of Wilmington, 
which had hitherto beeu sent by The most important results of 

43 



the opening of the Cape Fear river CHAPTER FIFTEEX. 

were the facts plain to all observers Smith ville, which abon t fifteen 
that Kcrth Carolina now had a deep years ago became Sonthport, was 
water port all the way from the at the time when these remiuis- 
new inlet which had been closed, cences began in 1848, a small town 
to the ocean; and this port was to at the mouth of the Cape Fear 
be permanent and not liable to be river^coramereially of no iaipor- 
filled np or even obstructed by tauce whatever. It became how- 
shoals. It was also plainly seen ever through the investigations of 
that no more great appropriations enterprising people of the city of 
would be necessary because the Wilmiugton, a place of refuge dur- 
Fwift and strong current of the jng the summer mouths from mos- 
Cape Fear would sweep everything qnitoes and malaria. The site 
of an obstructing nature through on which this small town was 
its length into the ocean.It seemed built had been given by Governor 
to the people that this new harbor Benjamin Smith for the purpose 
deserved a new name, audit was of laying out a town with streets 
therefore changed from Smithville and publicsquare, and other prive- 
to Southport. This was the first leges pertainiug to an incorpor- 
time in the history of the world ated town. The General Assembly 
that Xorth Carolina possessed a of Xorth Carolina incorporated 
deep w-ater harbor. It was natural this town uuder the name of Smith- 
to suppose that North Carolina yiUe, and it was surveyed and 
would immediately utilize the ad- laid out bv a competent engineer 
vantages she possessed, by build- into streets, squares and citylots. 
ing up a town of considerable im- A few of these lots were sold at 
portauce at the mouth of the river, first, and persons of no small im- 
But the building of a new city, and portauce purchased them and 
new lines of commerce is a slow b^Ht houses upon them, moved 
business, and it requires men of their families to Smithville and 
large capital who are able to see foaml it a place where they could 
far m the future to de\elop a new enjoy life, it beiug free from all an- 
city. Up to 1905 no new city novances. 

had been developed and the most ihe streets were named after 
that can be said of it is that at distinguished men who had gained 
this time the attention of the world their public distinction by acts 
has been directed to it with a cou- ^-hieii ^ade them known through- 
siderable probability that some- out the state. Such names as 
body will do something befcre Moore street, named for Judge 
much more time rolls by. Alfred Moore; Xash street, for 

General Xash; Howe street, for 
General Howe; Rhett street, for 
44 



Colonel Ehett of 8011111 ('arolina; 
Potts street and others, and a pub- 
lic square named Franklin squaie 
after Beujamiii Franklin, which 
was devoted to public and charita- 
ble purposes. 

The site upon which the town 
was laid out was of considerable 
military importance as was amply 
testified by the construction of a 
block house in the centre of the 
town, commanding the entrance 
to the river; and this fort was 
named Fort Johnston after a Gov- 
ernor of that name. Fort Johns- 
ton was built for defense against 
Indians mostly or perhaps for de- 
fense against artillery, the cannon 
of which at that date were of small 
size compared to those of the pres- 
ent day .There were embrazures for 
cannon and small arms, and wells 
dug inside showing that the block 
house or Fort Johnston was inten- 
ded to stand a siege if there should 
be war at any time. The block- 
house was built before the fort, by 
the English government to pro- 
tect the citizens from the Indians. 
This blockhouse after standing for 
one hundred and fifty years, was 
finally demolished by railroad 
promoters who moved toSmithville 
for the purpose of building a rail- 
road. The old citizens looked on 
with disgust at the vandalism 



they thought would attract the at- 
tention of capitalists. Then it 
was that the proposition was mado 
to chance the name of the town 
and a petition signed almost unan- 
imously by the citizens ofSraith- 
ville was introduced in the Legis- 
lature, and after much discussion 
and some lierce opposition the pe- 
tition was granted. It will be seen 
therefore that the sight on which 
Smithville was laid out, had a his 
tory which was both ancient, and 
honorable. It had not degenerated 
except that at the time the town 
of Smithville was chartered, it was 
used solely for peaceable purposes 
but afterwards was the scene of 
most stirring events. 

About 1763 Great Britain at- 
tempted to tax the colonies by 
means of the Stamp Act which ex- 
cited the people very greatly, and 
they determined that it should not 
be carried out within the limits of 
North Carolina; and when Great 
Britian attempted to eaforce the 
Stamp Act by armed force, they 
were met by the citizens of the 
town of Brunswick who seized and 
destroyed the stamps, and also 
the vessels which brought them. 

It has been chronicled in these 
papers how Smithville has been 
devastated again and again by 
war, pestilence and almost by 



which was willing to destroy these famine. The citizens of Smithville 



monuments of colonial times for 
the purpose of merely putting a 
few more dollars in their pockets 
and causing the place to assume a 
more modern appearance which 



assisted in every way to promote 
the building up of the city of Wil- 
mington, as did the citizens of Wil- 
mington who could never have ar- 
rived at the distinction of being the 



45 



r 
\ 



greatest naval store market in the mum. It was alsoshowu thatSouth- 
world, had it not been for the as- port was nearer to the cities of the 
sistance of the pilots who lived great west by sixty or seventy miles 
mostly in Smithville. In all the than any other port on the Atlau- 
strenuous efforts which Wilming- tic coast. It was also in a cou- 
ton has made to be a city of impor- veuieut position for the exporta- 
tance, Smithville and Wilmington tion or importation of goods of 
have acted together in all matters all kinds from the West Indies 
whose object it was to develop a and South America, that molasses 
great commerce. But when that and salt which had been heretofore 
great work of stopping up the J^ew brought from the West Indies to 
Inlet by building a stone dam across Wilmington and been distributed 
it had been completed, it was found from thence could be brouglit to 
that a great basin into which the Southport, and be distributed all 
largest ships could enter, and find over IS^orth Carolina and the west 
a safe port of anchorage, and the now more conveniently and cheap- 
depth of water on the bar increased ly than from any other place. It 
to 25 feet, thus making it possible was also shown, that vessels com- 
to build a great city where was ing to Sonthport from any point 
once Smithville. The great object south would avoid the dangers 
obtained was met with incredulity of Hatteras, which was, and is a 
instead of joy. There was not a dread to all who navigate the 
single port in the state of North ocean. It was also shown for the 
Carolina in which a great commerce great exportation of coal, South- 
could have been tiansacted. The port was the best point to start 
citizens of Smithville saw it, and from. A gieat correspondence 
they labored in season, and out of was held with people both of the 
season, to introduce to the world north and west, and large numbers 
the new harbor, but they had only of railroad promoters came to 
the mails by which they could dis- Smithville and made thorough iu- 
tribute this important iuforma- vestigations, and so reported to 
tion. Using this means, they did business men in places from 
in the course of a few years, bring M'hence they came, 
the subject to the attention of the It was thought by the citizens of 
public in all other states excepting Smithville that Wilmington would 
North Carolina. It was shown con- take up these matters, and euter- 
clusively by maps and chajts, by prises with great energy. and avi- 
reliable information obtained from dity but such has not been the 
the pilots, that there was actually case and Wilmington with her 
the depth of water stated and that railroad system running north and 
the cost of carrying on commerce south has been a solid bar against 
would here be reduced to a mini- this work, which meant the build- 

46 



i^jg of railroads from the east to by skillful mechanics antl had been 
the west. Lately, however this occupied by gentlemen of the olden 
vigilance which prevented every time. Altho the architecture of 
attempt to develop the new harbor their houses was of the simplest 
and its pr(.posed railroad connec- kind, still in every house were 
tions with the west has been some- evidences of an aesthetic taste, 
what relaxed .The newspapers pub- Especially their taste ran in the 
lished in Wilmington and through- direction of mantle pieces and 
out the state, have discovered now stair cases with carved ballusters 
what ought to have been discover- for altho the houses were of one 
ed twenty years ago and have ta- story there were always finished 
ken up the subject of developing rooms in the attic as was plainly 
this North Carolina port, with con- evident by the dormer windows 
siderable interest. which existed in every house and 

at these modern times are almost 

CHAPTER SIXTEEN. always leaky did not leak from the 

There is a history of Smithville time they were built till the houses 
in its ancient day then known as were in ruins. A dining room of 
Fort Johnston, ancient because considerable dimensions and side 
there is no one living to describe board which had been imported 
accurately its monuments, and fromEngland,also chairs and tables 
its residences. Even the village of solid mahogany, of that cele- 
cemetery can tell but little. Its brated maker Chipendale which 
tombs and its tablets are decayed cannot be duplicated at the pres- 
and fallen into utter ruin but it is ent day. There was sometimes a 
learned that many of these tombs piano in the parlor manufactured 
contained the bodies of persons by Broadwood of Loudon, inlaid 
who have lived and been respected in the most beautiful manner with 
and whose good works have out- brass ornaments. Ten years^ago 
lived even their tomb stones .There there were specimens of these 
is no one at present living who pianos sitting around in out of the 
lived in the days of Governor Ben- way places or in the back yard altho 
jamin Smith or who can tell from the musical part of the instrument 
personal knowledge who lived in was worthless. The cabinet work 
or who built most of the houses was of the finest construction and 
which stood in Smithville in 1848. did not come to pieces even when 
Yet they were built for persons exposed to wind and weather. The 
to live in who were gentlemen of bricks which were used for the 
culture and refinement. They construction of foundations and 
possessed a style peculiarly their chimneys were brought over from 
own and this style indicated beyond England and many lie buried n 
doubt that they had been built the soil at the present day as good 

47 



as when they were new. EDOugh was and highly oruani en tal stair ease 
left of these buildings so that per- which led to the upper rooms. On 
sons who nov>- live could testify that the lower tloor, there were draw- 
they were built by careful and ing rooms, on one side the grand 
skillful mechanics and many of entrance hall and a large dining 
our modern mechanics could learn hall thirty or forty feet long ou the 
lessons from an inspection of this otherside. 

old work and would see at once This summer home ofGov.Smith's 
that the houses and all parts of was his favorite resort as its situa- 
them were built by workmen who tiou was healthy and overlooked 
did honest work and built not the beautiful bay and Atlantic- 
only for money but also for repu- ocean and the island across the 
tation. bay on the south formed a lovely 

In 1848 there were at least twen- green spot for the eye to rest up- 
ty of these houses in Smith ville, on making an agreea))le variety in 
now there is not oue.The question is the scenery which without it 
an interesting one. Who built would have been a water view 
these houses and who lived in somewhat monotonous and glaring 
them? The owner, and the artisan to look upon a hot summer day. 
have long crumbled to dust and We may believe and in fact we 
their names are forgotten. In the know that this mansion was a home 
year 1848 there was one exception where lavish geueiosity and hos- 
to this rule. A large and perhaps pitality prevailed. Many distin- 
at that time a palatial residence quished visitors from both the 
which might have been called the Carolinas were entertained in this 
Governor's palace stood at the coi- delightful home. Gov. Smith was 
ner of Bay and Potts streets. It was prominent in all political affairs not 
built by Gov. Smith forhisresid- only in North and South ('aioliua 
ence stood ou the most beautiful but in the new Republic which was 
spot than then existed or does now being forjued and it was after the 
exist on the Cape Fear River. It death of Gov. Smith found to be 
remained intact but neglected and a suitable residence for another 
out of repair up to the year 1858, governor of North Carolina, Gov. E. 
when Mr.ThomasD.Meares became B. Dudley who made his summer 
the owner of the property and home in Smithville in 1838. Mr. 
finding it too much out of repair, Thomas D. Meares erected a tine 
took the old house down and built residence upon the ruins of the 
a modern structure upon the ruins, old house and it has maintained its 
The old house was entered from the reputation ever siuee the untimely 
front and as you entered and look- death of Mr. Meares and many dis- 
ed towards the back your eyes tinguislied men including three 
would have rested upon a specious other governors of North Carolin i 

48 



have eujoyed visits to this resid- gieat business in itself in Bruns- 
ence and perhaps have found it as wick county but it had a serious 
pleasant a place to visit as it was a drawback in 1849. The principle 
hundred years before. The old makers of turpentine in Brunswick 
house built by Gov, Smith on this county came originally from Pitt^ 
spot and many others in the town Edgecomb and Craven counties, 
of smaller dimensions were prob- They came and purchased or leas- 
ably designed and built by Benja- ed lands which were throughout 
min Blany a man esteemed by the county very attractive to this 
every one who resided in Smithville class of our fellow citizens. At 
as a man of fine abilities^generous, the date above mentioned the trees 
charitable, fond of field sports and had not been tapped,and there was 
a personal friend of Gov. Smith, gieat competition to see who could 
He lies buried in the old cemetery get the most of this valuable tim- 
at Smithville but his tombstone ber; they set the example to the 
which has fallen into much decay original <;itizeus of the county and 
revivals the fact that he was a man they too commenced the business, 
of high character in every respect. Dropping the plough, and the hoe 
There is at present standing but and the planting of all kinds of 
one house which may be called an- field crops they began tapping the 
cieut in Smithville and that is the trees for turpentine and to hire 
house now known as St. Philips large numbers of negroes to do the 
rectory, but this house altho built work. At the same time they 
of materials which had stood the began to tap the trees, they began 
ravages of time for a century or to buy provisions; corn, bacon 
more does not display any of the andmola»ssesall those things which 
architectural merits which reveal constituted rations. They hired all 
themselves so plainly in the hous- the negroes they could giving their 
es which had been built more than notes at pretty high prices for the 
a century ago by Benjamin Blany. years work and as was the custom of 

that time getting their friends, and 

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. neighbors to endorse their paper. 

It is curious to observe, in how Having advanced to this stage 
the dev'elopment of cities and of the business they proceeded to 
states the ideas commercial or look over their property with gi'eat 
otherwise which stand at the foun- complacency and to discount their 
dation of progress can always be profits. What was the horror there- 
traced to the active brains of a few fore of a great number of these men 
individuals and this is especially as they passed through the beauti- 
the case in the development of the ful pine forest to see large numbers 
city of Wilmington, of these splendid trees showing 

The turpentine interest was a signs of some direful disease 

49 



Avhich .spread in one eeason over a fences tobuild and new implements 
large part of Brnuswick connty. to be purchased. So that on the 
The trees died ^ in some places all whole, the turpentine interests in 
of them, leaving hundreds of acres Brnnswick connty did not prove to 
with nothing bat dead trees upon be profitable. If all who owned tur- 
them ; in other places half the trees pentine lands had only worked them 
more or less died and it was seen to such extent as they could Avith 
that the prospect was very gloomy their own force and had not ne- 
aud that their great expecta- glected the farm crops which were 
tious of profit must be disappoin- essential, they would have made 
ted. This disease apparently was money invariably and their trees 
confined mostly to Brunswick would have lasted a very long time 
county and large losses were sus- before they were used up. 
tained by these enterprising men But the active minds of the busi- 
instead of great gains. Then in ness men of Wilmington saw much 
addition to these responsibilities farther ahead than did the proprie- 
were the notes which had to be tors and laborers of the pine forest, 
paid at maturity. Large expenses So they began to investigate the 
were incurred for supplies for condition of the Cape Fear River 
the turpentine laborers vtml farms with the improvemeutof its naviga- 
on the'r hands were neglected with tion as au ultimate necessity. They 
growiug crops upon them. This proceeded in a manner which will 
disease was new and very remark- be hereafter described to improve 
able and there was nothing v.hich the conditions by which they could 
could be done to stop it. Fortu- get this great product of the pine 
nately it did not extend much be- tree into the markets of the world; 
j^ond this county and lasted but they went on however the same 
one year; it was caused by an in- way for many years and it was not 
sect pest which bored through the until after the war that Mr. R. E. 
bark and deposited their eggs uu- Heide,Mr. Alexander Sprunt and a 
der the baik, which prevented the tew others conceived the idea of ex- 
growth of the tree. Many turpen- porting the naval stores which 
tine makers were, ruined but the were made in Wilmington, direct- 
business as it appeared in the <:*ity ly to Europe. The feasability of 
of Wilmin^-tou did not show any ef- doing this was denied by many but 
fects as it was confined to such a the originators of this new idea pro- 
limited.ai^ea,, But farming which ceeded to develop their plans. At 
is the4"Qundatiott of prosperity in first only a few foreign ships could 
any countvy^ was temporarily des- be induced to come into the Cape 
troy^d and that business: had to be Fear River where they knew the 
done over again, from the begin- navigation was bad for square rig- 
uingjuew lands .to dear, and new ged vessels. The few that tried it 

50 



first being vessels of light draft and mother country, and who iinally 

coming as they did from the Brit- accomplished the purpose on which 

ish Korth American Provinces of they started. 

England, K^orway, Denmark and 

Germany and also a good many CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. 
small brigs from the West Indies The men thought th<:'ir 
all of which loaded for European rights were invaded by the Fedeial 
ports, and making safe voyages, Government and did not hesitate 
soon distributed the news all over to go to war with a power many 
foreign ports that they could find times greater than they were, and 
cargoes of naval stores in the port who fought for four long years 
of Wilmington, North Carolina, with the fortitude and bravery 
So the foreign export business which has seldom been witnessed 
was established on a sure founda- in the world's history. Now peace 
tion, and continued successful. had '.succeeded to war and to a 
The Cape Fear Eiver and the peiiod called "recoustr action'' 
port of Wilmington was soon which was worse than any calamity 
crowded with foreign vessels, in- which had pj-eceded it, and it 
creasing in size and draft as the had left the commercial city of 
river and navigation was improv- Wilmington without commerce, or 
ed.The tore-and-aftschooner which anything on which to build a corn- 
had been used exclusively, had to merce. At this time it seemed to 
withdraw from the business, and be necessary that men of character 
this continued until the product previously mentioned should 
of the pine began to diminish come forward with the energy 
rapidly, and had to be discon- which they possessed to develop 
tinned in a large measure. The the arts of peace and commerce, 
scenes which have been described, Fortunately one commercial house 
of sailing vessels coming in and in the city of Wilmington was 
going out of the harbor of Smith- equal to theemergeucv. Mr. James 
ville had begun to be a thing of Sprunt of the house of Alexander 
the past and now came another Sprunt & Sons proposed that cot- 
period of the low tide of prosperity; ton should be made the basis of a 
but there were men equal to the new commerce. But it was impos- 
emergency; men who could, do sible even to make a respectable 
things when required and do them beginning with only sailing ships 
well, no matter how difficult; men which were loaded with cotton for 
who dared to seize the stamps, different foreign ports but it became 
when sent over to tax the colonists; evident immediately that this was 
men who stood shoulder to shoulder too slow to give any hope of suc- 
with the men of Massachusetts in cessful competition with other 
resisting all oppression by the ports. Then Mr. James Sprunt 

51 



determined to proceed persoually trade of Wilmington began, and 
to Europe, and sec what he could Messrs. Alexander Sprunt & Son, 
d9 iu the establishment of steam were found to be the parties who 
lines to foreign ports. There were could handle the business success- 
many difficulties to overcome, fully. Gradually, and year by 
Wilmington was not known any- year larger vessels were substi- 
^ where in the outside world as a tuted for the smaller ones which 
cotton port and the old nj.-chin'^, had made safe trips without acci- 
ship masters and owners looked dent and the trade grew rapidly 
Upon Wilmington as a port, where until it was found that steamships 
there was too little water on the drawing twenty feet of water, some 
bar and difficult and unsafe navi- of them carrying over twenty 
gation up the Cape Fear River to thousand bales of cotton could 
Wilmington, But Mr. Sprunt make their trips to and from Wil- 
knew that the depth of water was mington as safely as from any 
increasing by means of the new other port on the South Atlantic 
works which were inaugurated by coast. In this manner commerce 
the general government for the was re-established in the port of 
purpose of increasing the depth of Wilmington, and it consisted very 
water. Mr. Sprunt succeeded in largely of the single article of cot- 
convincing ship owners and mer- ton export, which remains to the 
chants that they might try a few of present day, when over three 
their smallest steamships with hundred thousand bales are ship- 
safety, ped yearly, with a prospect of an 

It was therefore a surprise and increasing trade, 
a great pleasure to see these iron But it must be evident to every 
tramps, which though small in observer that large cities cannot 
size, looked very large to those be built up solely on one article of 
who were well accustomed to sail- commerce. The next most impor- 
ing vessels:. At this point fears taut article, which is a necessity 
were expressed that the pilots is coal. Bit Wilmington could not 
would antagonize this new trade monopolize the article of coal; she 
by means of steam tramps, but is too far up the river to handle it 
this was an imaginary difficulty successfully. Therefore her mer- 
purely, for the pilots concerned chants changed their opinions and 
themselves about nothing except- agreed that coal should be carried 
ing the vessel which required their to Southport, where there is deep 
services, and it was a point of water and easy access to and from 
honortocarry these vessels through the ocean but this trade has not 
the obstructions, and safe to Wil- yet been developed, 
mington. There are signs however that it 

Sain this small way the cotton will soon become a fact that ships 

52 



of the largest capacity will ccnie eut ccuuties through which the 



to Sonthport for their cargoes. In 
these papers which have been 



line was to pass were enthusiastic 
about the great beuetit Avhieh 



Avritten, the distance, though a would acc-rue to the state of Xorth 



short one, has been travelled in 
spite of the greatest natural obsta- 
cles which are not yet entirely re- 
moved but which will be before 
the Cape Fear river, Wilmington 
and Sonthport become cities and 
a port of recognized importance. 
To the energetic, and well direct- 
ed action of the business men of 



Carolina. The corporation was 
organized with a board of directors 
and a president and it was repoi ted 
that a Trust Company iniSTewYork 
had promised to float its bonds. 
Then a second corps of engineers 
started from Smithville to locate 
the line. They proceeded about 
forty miles. Throughout North 



Wilmington, will be due the credt Carolina from Smithville to Bris- 



when their object is finally ac- 
complished. 

CHAPTER NINETEEN. 

About twenty years ago the dis- 
covery of this new harbor iuNorth 



tol, Tenn., it was pronounced by 
the people living anywhere near 
the line that it was a grand enter- 
prise, Mhich would open North 
Carolina to the commerce of the 
west. So far the ^'bulls'' had had 
Carolina had been jjublished in full charge of the scheme: but it 



many papers at the North and 
West, and the opportunities for 



was time that the ^'bears'' should 
have their "innings,-' ami they 



developing it had reached the immediately prepared to depreci- 
ears of capitalists. Promoters ate the value of the scheme, and 



began to pour into Smithville from 
all parts of the West, and even 
from England. 

One corporation was formed 
called^'The SonthAtlantic &North 
Western R. R. Co." The pro- 



the ''bears" were even found in 
the company itself. 

Brunswick county had sub- 
scribed large sums, and it was 
perfectly evident that the people, 
were almost unauimouslv in favor 



moters of this scheme were men of of the enterprise. But the money 



considerable ability. David Risley 
and J. B. Bilheimer were the 
names of the principal promoters. 
Apparently these promoters had 
some money of their own which 
they were willing to spend. They 
put a force of engiueersin the field 
and surveyed a line through 
from Sonthport to Bristol, Tenn. 
All went favorably and the differ- 



centers had been infected with 
distrust. 

The locating corps of engineers 
were called in and all active work 
ceased . 

It is not the purpose of this 
writer to go into particular des- 
cription of the i^ronioting schemes 
which had been launched since 
1883. Suffice it to say, that they 



53 



might be numbered by the dozens that the tide ol' prosperity h s 

and no matter how influential the ebbed and flowed many time's since 

promoters of all or any of them the turpentine industry was at its 

have been, those who did not want flood. Natural causes have caused 

the ioad to be built, have proved prosperity to decline, and the 

to be the strongest. great energy of Wihnington mer- 

At the present time there is a chants, has caused it again to rise 

plan said to be in course of pro- to a considerable height; but what 

motion by capitalists having un- is required, is that industries 

told vrealtli; owuiug railroads and should be varied and large enough 

steamship lines to theWest Indies to keep the golden tide of pros- 

toSouth America and having large perity always at high water mark, 

coast wise interests, because they We suggest with great deference 

have positive information, that to the opinion of others, that an 

Southport has a harbor equal to ample supply of coal lies at the 

their wants, and they propose foundation of all kinds of pros- 

therefore to utilize it. But of perity. The city of Wilmington 

"what prospective value this infor- must offer to the world favorable 

mation may be, must be left for conditions for all kinds of mauu- 

time to develop. facturing, it must offer to the 

As all matters of this kind world good and cheap markets for 
belong to the present, and can be all the productions required for 
in no way coujected with the the use of manufacturers and the 
reminiscences of the past, I leave thousands of operatives which 
this subject merely saying that it they must employ. It must have 
is a great pity that money and a lirst class railroad to Southport 
enterprise sufficient for the pur- where people can pujchase build- 
pose cannot be found in North ing sites and build houses for 
Carolina, so that some of the great permanent occupation for both 
schemes proposed could be carried winter and summer. The climate! 
out; particularly that one which is eminently suited to this. The 
■will brinj coal to our doors at as rich lands which are suited for 
cheap rates as it is supplied to trucking and farming purpose* 
citizens and manufacturers at the must be connected with South- 
north and west. Wilmington port and Wilmington by fast lines 
needs cheap coal and Southport of railroad. 

needs cheap coal. Without it Then, as it seems to the writi?r 

manufacturers cannot thrive, and of these articles, Wilmington and 

the high price which individuals Southport will be one and the 

have to pay is simply ruinous. same city, having the same in- 

On looking over these series of terest and it would be a cheerful 

papers, it is plainly to be seen, day for the inhabitants of this 

54 



section wheu all petty jealous- peutine business, bt cause the 
ies are wiped away. farmers engaged in that business 

had al)audoned their farms and 

CHAPTER TWENTY. made no corn aud uo pork and the 

The low country of the southern laborers in the turpentine woods 
states consists of a strip of land had to be fed with corn and meat 
about one hundred miles long ex- which had to be purchased else- 
tending along the coast from the where. This was one of the mis- 
Atlantic and Gulf coast for nearly fortunes attending the turpentine 
their whole length. This immense business; that farming was neg- 
territory is intersected by some lected,the farm suffere 1 to become 
large rivers and a great many delapidated. 

small ones emptying into the Turpentine being a cash business 
Atlantic Ocean andGulf of Mexico, produced nothing but cash as the 
There are many swamps of large result of working the trees, and 
size, and most of them are sus- every farmer imagined he could 
ceptible of being drained, aud see a golden harvest at tlie end of 
when drained they form the most a years' work, but be did not see 
fertile lands which this country that he had nothing to do with 
can exhibit, producing immense making the price of his product 
quantities of corn;and so large has which was fixed by speculators 
been this crop of corn in former who engineered and controlled 
years that these swamps were prices after the material had 
called the grainery of the country, reached market, and made it im- 

The dweller in Smithville had possible for tlie farmer aud owner 
previous to the closing up of the of the land to calculate with any 
New Inlet, seen fleets consisting certainty what would be the final 
of hundreds of vessels loaded with result of his years' labor, 
corn coming through the New This great strip of land which 
Inlet by which they saved a long was upon the sea coast aud ran up 
voyage around Frying Pan Shoals the rivers, was covered with the 
on their way to Wilmington, most beautiful giowth of pine 
Charleston, Savannah and all the trees that it was possible to imagine 
Southern ports. These vessels Only here and there in the swamps 
were of fine construction. They and along the margins of streams, 
were built in the sounds by the was there any other growth ex- 
inhabitants themselves of that ceptiug pines and as the country 
region. Probably as many more was perfectly level and very little 
of the same size, loaded with the undergrowth to obstruct the vine 
same cereal sailed along the north- it was often possible to see for 
ern coast, supplying the northern miles a forest in which the giant 
cities with corn. 

It was a necessity of the tur- 



boles of these pine trees ascended 
to the hight of a hundred feet or 



56 



more, and beneathjthegroaiul was themselves have been bariied and 
CO verad with grass and flowers. It there is a desert exposed to view 
^■&s certaiuly a niofit boautiful instead of the beantifui lorest 
prosp3jfc and one which could not l)ef()i'e described, and the visitor 
be seen iu any other country. would be surprised to see that no 

^ot onl^y were these forests trees of any kind havesprung upto 
.Jep.i^t;fu], but iL;y weje valuable make a second growth on the lands 
bej'oad any estimate v, hich their and he will be informed tliat this 
owners were apt to make of them, isbeciu^e the woods are full of 
The turpentine which might be hogs who root up the ground and 
made to flow from vi'ounds in their e-t up every s.^ed v.iiich a-cident 
surface made by the axe and tur- or design may have deposited, 
peutino hacker to bring large sums The farmer will deplore his im- 
of moaey into the pockets of the providence^ and wish he had not 
owners and they were also more been so deeply infected wilh the 
vala;iblti than any other trea for numia which destroyed the county 
building purposes. and value of his laud to a great 

In cousequence of these values extent, and he will study how he 
and others attached to a pine can recompense himself in some 
forest they were attacked with degree for what has been lost. 
the vigor of desperation to get At this point the lumber getter 
their products to maiket and no makes his appearance, and pro- 
estimste wasmade of theloss which poses to buy every tree wdiich will 
would accrue of the using up of produce a raili'oid tie. lie in- 
these valuable trees. Hence it is vades the swamj s, and sees thous- 
now certain that the business was ands of cyi)res;> trees, the growth 
v.'asteful in almost every respect, of (Centuries perhaijs, and he pro 
If one now in the year 1905 goes poses to buy the trees or even lauds 
out into these lands to examine upon which they grow. Here the 
them, he will flnd thej'^ have been own-r sees his chancQ to make 
hacked as high as the laborer can something, andso he sells the trees 
reach with a long pole and the or rents or buys the land, and the 
turpentine exhausted in the tree work of getting railroad ties for 
never to be replaced; that there northern market begins. Saw- 
beauty is gone, and that here and mills are est iblished upoj all the 
there very frequently lire has gone navigable streams, and soon the 
through these iuHammable trees clang of the saws is heai-d in every 
and destroyed them outright and place wdierc there is a tree of what 
forerer. That in CDu^equguce of ever kind it may be;- pines, cyp- 
burnlng the woadj so that new reise^, bla.*k gum and every other 
grass cauld spring up every year tree which can be shipped and 
for pasturage for cattle, the trees manufactured into anything is cut 

56 



and prepared for shipmeut. records that any attention of con- 

The people of the state generally sequence was paid to education or 

consent to this business a id great public schools previous to 1845. 

corporations are chartered by the There was a tradition of roving 

legislature. school masters from the old country 

Soon large schooner^ make their who traveled about teaching 

appearance for the purpose of tak- schools here and there as they 

ing on cargoes of railroad ties, could find enough pupils to give 

The owners of these vessels and them siipport. These men would 

merchants, who may have become teach a short while in a place, 

interested in this business, seek then move on to some other fitl I. 

for everj' chance that may offei to Some of them were delapidated 

reduce the cost of shipmeut and in- gentlemen, who passed as gradu- 

duce vessels to engage in the trade, ates of Oxford or Cambridge, but 

They make it appear that the cost uone of them seemed to be of much 

of pilotage is prohibitory to their value to the cause of education, 

business, therefore pilotage must But about the year 1850 Mr. 

be abolished, in which ciise the Jeremiah Murphy moved to 

money paid to pilots would go in- Smith ville for the purpose of 

to their own pockets. Thus the establishing a school. Mr. Mur- 

clearing of North Carolina of every phy was a very agreeable gentle- 

nseful trade goes on with fearful man, reliable and a man of tine 

rapidity and the owners of the character and abilities. He was 

lauds find themselves but very a scholar and a gentlemen of 

little richer on account of this weried talents. He was well know 

business, and the glory and beauty to the writer as a genial companion 

of the scenery is destroyed forever, and good friend. He, with other 

friends, took a i active interest in 

CHAPTER TWENTY-OXE. the promoting of teaching, for 
It must not be considered, that which he was well fitted, being a 
because these papers have hitherto teacher by profession, well versed 
chronicled the rise and fall of Wil- in the classics, and in all branches 
mington and also the rise and fall of mathematical science and polite 
ofSmithville along with it, that literature. Besides he had a very 
nothing had been done in Smith- interesting family consisting of his 
ville of sufficient importance to be wife and several children all of 
noted. whom were calculated to exercise 
On the contrary many things a refining influence upon the corn- 
have happened which has eflfected munity. 

not only Smithville itself, but the Mr. Murphy saw at once the 

State of North Carolina. necessity of a good and permanent 

Neither history or tradition school at Smithville, and he, with, 



others, iniTnediately set about the Murphy and the Rev. J. H. Brent, 
promotion of a permanent one. The school prospered gieatly for 
Hut there was no school house in sevejal years, and np to the begin- 
the town, and it was a matter of ning of the war, when it with all 
prime necessity to have a good other schools >vas discontinued to 
school house, if there was to be a await happier and more peaceful 
gco I school. The matter was at times. 

once discussed among the people During the war the building was 
of Smithville and county of Bruns- treated very roughly being taken 
wick, and much interest in the by the Confederate authorities for 
.subject of education was developed, a store house for commissary sup - 
"Which resulted in a liberal sub- plies for the army. At the close 
scription by many of the perma- of the war it Mas found to be in a 
nejjt citizens of the county. wrecked and delapidated condi- 

Di\ L'rederick J. Hill, of Orton tiou, and the Masonic Lodge had 
Plantation, contributed three gone out of existence, 
hundred dollars, and the other It has before been stated in 
rich planters on the Cape Fear these papers that the Federal 
contributed from fifty to two huu- Xavy under Capt. Cushing had 
dred dollars each. Mr. John C. broken open the Lodge and stolen 
Swain and Mr. McRacken, con- the jewels, while they were en- 
tributed liberally, and Mr. Daniel gaged in the business of destroying 
L. Russell, Sr., contributed two such records of the county, as 
hundred dollars. St. Johns Lodge they could find in the court house. 
Xo. 110 of Free ]\rasons, being The building remained in this con- 
about to lose their rooms in the ditiou until the political crisis of 
old court house, ]>y reason of that reconstruction was furnished and 
building being torn down for the a reasonable amount of security for 
purpose of erecting a new court private and public property had 
house, contributed six hundred been secured, and then the few sur- 
dollars, with the condition, that viviug Masons secured a new 
the property should be put under . charter for their lodge under the 
their charge for Lodge purposes name of Pythagoras Lodge Ifio. 
and that a deod should be made 219, and the work of repairing and 
to them by the town authorities rebuilding the delapidated acad- 
for educational and charitable pur- emy was begun by means of funds 
poses as provided by the charter contributed by citizens of South- 
of the town. port and others until the building 

The building was accordingly was made habitable for the purpose 
;: erected on Franklin Square, and for which it was originated. 
school immediately began under During the time which had 
the personal direction of Mr. elapsed since the close of the war 

58 



up to the present time, a school of new and more modern structure 
more or less importance has been built of brick in 1S54 about the 
kept in this building. Of these same time when the academy before 
schools a few deserve a special described was erected . 
mention as having laid a foua- While these improvements have 
datiou for a good education, and a been going on the citizens of 
good character for many pupils. It Smithville and Southport had not 
is estima*^ed that over fifty of the neglected the building of churches 
young men of Southport through and where there were onlv two 
the careful training and education in 1850 there are now seven of 
of Rev. H. A. Duboc and his wife different denominations, all posses- 
and Dr. Samuel W. Murphy, (the sing bells of greater or less size, 
latter a son of Mr. Jeremiah 3Iur- which ring every day of the week. 

phy before mentioned) have gone 

out into the world topersue those CnAPTEIi TWKXTY-TWO. 
professions for which the founda- As the courts and the practite 
tiou was laid in the schools of of law in Brunswick county, have 
these gentlemen. We may further been spoken of in these papeis, as 
add that among these boys there being entitled to the greatest res- 
are two lawyers, three doctors, pect, it seems proper that tlie 
one professor of architecture in names of thelawyers who practised 
the University of ^'^orth Carolina, in this court should have some 
one editor, one (Ca-shier of a Wil- mention as a token of remcmbr- 
mingtou bank, one bank teller in anceof the times of peace which 
a Xew York Trust Co., three grad- prevailed up to 18G1. The Hon. 
nates in pharmacy, and one in Robt. Strange was an attorney 
dentistry, several in the employ- practising in Brunswick county. 
Hjent of the governmept, besides He was eminent in his profes:--iu:i 
numerous others occupying re- of law, and had also represented 
sponsible positions as book keepers his district in Congress. He was 
and clerks in North Carolina and spoken of by Franklin Pierce — 
other states. Music has also i-e- aifterwards as President of the 
ceived macit attention, and pianos United States— in a letter of intro- 
may now be found in many fami- duction given to the writer in 1847 
lies whose childrjen were instructed as"my valued friend Strange^and 
under the iniluence of this school, there seemed to be much alTection 
The old courthouse which was between these twomen. Col. Re bert 
originally at Lockwood's Folly, Strange, son of above mentioned 
was removed to Smithville in 1805 gentleman, and his partner Dun- 
and became the second old court can K. McRae practised in the 
house of Brusnwick county, which courts of Brunswick, both being 
was torn down to be replaced by a men of real-ability, Thomas Q. 



Miller, Dave. B. Bater, Manger tnry. The iialf century, \s'bich 
London, John L. Holmes and preceeded this one, was a most in- 
Robert L. French who was after- teresting period in the history of 
ward Judge, and was distinguised North Carolina, many oftheaetors 
for his ability as a lawyer, for his and public events of that period 
gentle and social qualities, and have been ably detailed by Col. 
who had the courtly manners of Alfred M. Waddell, Mr. James 
the olden time gentleman, and was Sprunt and others, and the history 
greatly beloved by his host of written by them continues as 
friends. The Hon. George Davis, records of great men and great 
afterwards the Attorney General deeds which honored themselves 
of the Confederate States, honored and the nation, and has given to 
and beloved by his friends and North Carolina a high position in 
associates to the last of his life, every branch of law, science, medi- 
and Moody B. Smith, a lawyer of cine, poetry and fiction, 
ability, was a member of the Great changes are now impend- 
Brunswick bar and practised here ing over the political condition cf 
until the close of the war when he State and Nation, and it is im- 
removed to the city of New York, possible to fortell what the result 
Duncan J. Devane, Alfred M. may be; and it is safe to say that 
Waddell and Col. Charles M.Sted- no half century of the nation's 
man, also practised in Brunswick history can be more interesting or 
County; also the Hon. Samuel J. more pregnant with |;great events, 
Person, a man of great ability in than the on which these pages 
the legal profession, was elected a imperfectly describe, 
judge of the Superior Court of During the time when the tur- 
law, which position he held with pentine industry engrossed a 
honor to himself and credit to the large part of the business of east- 
■tate. ern North Carolina, agriculture 

There are so many others con- was at a low ebb; the decline of 
nected with the legal profession in this industry has led to the sub- 
Brunswick County, that it is im- stitution of a new kind of agri 
possible to mention the names of culture, more varied and interest- 
all of them. Nearly all of those ing in every respect than that 
whose names are herein subscribed which existed when the pine tree 
have passed away leaving honor- occupied so much of the attention 
ablercQordsof their distinguished of the land owners of Eastern 
service to their clients and to the North Carolina. Great plantations 
country. have been devided into smaller 

The period of time embraced in ones and new lands have been 
these reminiscences is that between brought into cultivation. Neat 
181S ko IWO or over a half a cen- cottages have been built in large 

60 



numbers and the smaller farms beautiful and profltable of all tt\e 
have been fenced with durable farmers' crops, adding millions or 
fences, so that in some places the dollars to the value of his property, 
whole face of the country appears and giving him that one of nature's 
like an immense market garden, products which is more often 
Better stock has replaced the old spoken of in that Great Book which 
and most of the farmers pride should be the rule and guide of 
themselves upon their fine stw-k of every one's faith viz: The Holy 
of cattle, horses aud mules, which Bible. 

the profits of their trucking in- Let us hope that the apple, the 
dustry enables them to possess, peach and every variety of fruit 
The improvements in agriculture which grows so luxuriously in a 
is so great it would take much large part of North Carolina will 
space to detail it. When these be added to the farmers produc- 
farmers shall be able to see their tious; that above all, the interests 
way clear to dispose of the thou**- of sheep husbandry shall be culti- 
ands of worthless cur dogs, so as vated, and many more thousands 
to add sheep husbandry to the of dollars be added to the farmers 
other labors of the farm, and the purse. These last mentioned 
"razor back" hog shall disappear products all are possible when 
from the forest, and trees of all agriculture is varied, 
kinds will be permitted to spring The next great changes which 
up and grow, then we may conti- havecometopassduriugtheperiod 
dently predict that eastern North of which these chapters have been 
Carolina will be the garden spot of written is of course the period of 
the world . While these improve- war, in which the Cape Fear section 
mentsare going on, aud in process took prominent position. The far 
of developement there will be time reaching effects of the war between 
to find out that there are classes of the States has already taken muuy 
persons whose brains cannot be schemes, written by able historians 
developed to any great extent, and of the times, and will take mrjny 
it is a waste of time and money to more schemes before the effects of 
try to make preachers, lawyers, that great contest can be described 
doctors and school masters out of in detail. At the time when 
men- whose ;highest developement these reminiscences were 
could^only :make them skillful in begun. North Carolina and every 
the developement of the soil, some part of it, was indeed a happy 
ideas of a political nature, which land, its inhabitants both male 
goby the names of prohibition, will and female were filled with love 
be-smoothed away to such extent, for their country, and the fires of 
that the grape vine and its patriotism burned in every breast, 
products will be one of the most The changes made by war which 

61 



peaerratofl every home, aud r-vei y 
lire skle have not changed that 
lofty patriotism wiiich existed be- 
fore the war, and althongh lor a 
few short years the citizens of 
North Carolina and the sonth gene- 
rallj- gave their entire ener<^ies to 
the war, for principles which they 
believed to be just. They still 
believe in their conntry and the 
whole of it as the 'Hand of the 
frcC; aud the home of the brave,*' 
aud they love it with abiding de- 
votion, bat they caunot forget, 
that they fought for a principle 
which seemed to them to be just 
aud right. They will never for- 
get the dear ones who fought so 
bravely, so many of whom lie 
buried beneath the soil, but these 
memories do not make them less 
true to the country which is agaiu 
reunited by ties which can never 
again be broken. 



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63 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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